Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has mandated increased security around state government establishments following the breach of the State Government Secretariat in Oyo State by individuals believed to be Yoruba nation advocates.
The governor’s decision aims to prevent similar incidents in Osun State.
In a statement released to the press by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, it was announced that Governor Adeleke has directed his security aide to implement the instructions immediately.
Governor Adeleke has ordered the deployment of joint security forces to protect key locations, including the State Government Secretariat, the Government House, and other vital government properties, such as the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) headquarters.
The Governor emphasized the importance of reaffirming commitment to the principles of a unified Nigeria, especially in light of the ongoing constitutional revisions to establish a truly federal system within the country.
“These agitators should join the crusade for the reform of the federal system to ensure adjustments that give the states more autonomy and responsibilities.
“Nigeria’s problems can only be resolved by dialogue within the constitutional framework, citing ongoing constitutional amendments that are restoring more powers to the states”, the governor was quoted to have said.
He cited the movement of railways and electricity from exclusive to concurrent legislative list, noting that even the United States of America is still reforming her federal system.
While showing solidarity with his Oyo State counterpart, Governo Seyi Makinde, he urged the agitators to sheath their swords, saying everyone must continue to try to realize the Nigeria of their dreams.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 20 men, who claimed to be Yoruba nation agitators, were arrested on Saturday when they attempted to seize the Oyo House of Assembly complex.
The masked men were dressed in Army camouflage and armed with rifles. They took strategic positions at the Secretariat.
While some of them manned the entrance of the governor’s office, the rest were seen at the entrance to the State House of Assembly gate and the main entrance, among others.
The situation sent shocks across the entire area. Also, the security operatives on duty at the secretariat had fired tear gas canisters to disperse them.
Officers of the state Police Command and other anti-crime agencies stormed the entrance to the Secretariat in numerous patrol vans.
Speaking on the arrest, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso, said the suspects who dressed in military camouflage on 13/04/2024 at about 09:15hrs stormed the state government Secretariat to forcefully take over.
He disclosed that items recovered from the suspects include an unregistered Silver-coloured Nissan Urban Caravan Bus containing cutlasses, pump action rifles, cartridges, assorted charms and an O’dua Nation agitation flag.
Motorcycles and other items were recovered, including three Pump Action Guns, 291 life Cartridges, two expended cartridges, 67 cutlasses, five bulletproof vests, six pairs of boots, 10 megaphones, three Oodua style beret caps, seven belts, 11 Oodua Nation Army Camouflage Uniforms, one unregistered Nissan Urban Caravan Bus and three TVS motorcycles.
