6TH OF MAY 2021
PRESS STATEMENT
Members of Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Ondo State chapter wish to use this medium to inform the people of Ondo State in particular and Nigerians in general that our members in Owo local government area of Ondo State had been facing and experiencing constant and serious attacks from a group of lawless and troubled minded individual, parading themselves as “Eye Confraternity” within Owo council area of Ondo State.
It has taken the intervention of the Paramount ruler of Owo kingdom, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye (III) and other prominent elders and indigenes of the town to put the destructive and violence activities of the said group to check before this time, with very minimal resistance from OPC even after glaring provocations and open attacks.
However, these daredevil hoodlums regroup to launch fresh attacks and unleash mayhem on their presumed enemies and rival groups immediately after the October 10, 2020 Governorship Election in the state won by an Owo son, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) for a second term as Governor.
The unholy activities of the cult group was reportedly given a boost and enjoy financial support of an aide to the Governor, Fatai Lawan Olusina who is using the group to register and oil his political mercenaries within the local government area, and as instrument to carry out his assignment as special assistant to the Governor on Natural Resources.
Other leading members of the cult group are; Fisayo Aladekoyi Owo LG Youth leader, Haruna a.k.a Aruu, Adeola a.k.a Ade, Sagge Opomba (not real name) and some chiefs in the town
The violence activities of this killer group reached the peak on Monday 3rd of May, 2021 when they attacked and killed One Ola, popularly known as Ojule during their deadly outing in Owo town. Ola was a loyal and committed member of OPC.
The killing was reported to the police and arrangement was put in place to bury the deceased next day (Tuesday) when the cultists launched another attack where six other persons, including innocent residents were killed and two houses and the local government office of OPC were set ablaze at Idasen and Ijebu areas of the accent town.
As at this moment, many members of the OPC, including our commandant, have gone into hiding to avert further bloody clash with the cultists who are now going round the town unchecked; banishing guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons to attack our members.
In order not to take law into our hands and to abide by the principle of peaceful conduct of our revered leader and the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams, we have directed our lawyer to write a petition to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Salami to put the criminals under security watch and control.
While awaiting the response and quick action of the police and other security agents to our petition, we implore our action Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu who is also a legal luminary and learned silk to do the needful by calling his aide, Fatai Olusina to order and set every mercenary in motion to curb the ugly situation currently disrupting the peace of his hometown, Owo.
May God return peace to our land.
Thank You.
Signed:
COMRADE NAFIU SARAFA
Acting Coordinator,
Odua Peoples Congress (OPC)
Ondo State.