Traditional rulers from the South-West region have vowed to protect their people and resist any form of invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen, using the traditional way.
The declaration came on the heels of a planned security summit by governors from the South-West, who met at the Ondo State Governor’s Lodge in Abuja on Friday.
A statement issued after the meeting quoted Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as saying, “There’s an urgent need to stem the growth of criminal activities and banditry in our region and, as leaders, we must be proactive in our approach to addressing the issue.”
However, traditional rulers from Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo and Osun states, all agreed that the time had come to adopt a traditional approach against criminals terrorising the region.
In Ekiti State, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, said, “We are all aware of the move of the Fulani to invade our land and up till now, we don’t know exactly why, but we know that it is already happening. We have no choice but to defend ourselves and defend our land.
“The issue of kidnapping is making our people to stay away from home. Really, the monarchs in the whole of Yoruba land should get together and other groups should be involved in checkmating this invasion and make sure we protect our people and property.”
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In Osun, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, said he had engaged local hunters to provide security.
Oluwo said, “When the attacks became rampant, especially along Osogbo/Iwo road, I summoned all traditional rulers in my domain. Since then, I have been meeting with them regularly.
“We also pay close attention to movement into and out of our domain here. It was a difficult time for us then; but we were able to stem the tide then. I also provided patrol vehicle for security men. My border stretches to Ibadan, Ikire, Ede and Ejigbo axis.”
The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, called on local hunters in the South-West, socio-cultural organisations and government in the region to protect the territory from invasion by bandits and suspected Fulani herdsmen who block major highways to attack people.
One of the monarchs in Ogun State, the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdul Ogunjobi, said “If Federal Government calls for our intervention, we are ready. There are many things we can do as traditional rulers. We can go back to our elders and make use of what our elders used in the olden days.”
In Ondo, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi Aladetoyinbo, said “The traditional rulers should be given a definite role and be involved in the security arrangement. There are traditional means we can use, this is very important if we must get out of this threatening situation. There are ways through which we can contribute effectively to stemming the tides of insecurity.”