Insecurity: Some Traditional Rulers Satobaging Efforts of Security Operatives in Oyo State — Owoseni

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, has lamented the worsening security situation in the state, adding that there are many people sabotaging the efforts of the security operatives in the state.

Speaking during the first Yoruba traditional security summit organised by the Yoruba World Assembly, and held at the old House of Chiefs, Parliament Buildings, Secretariat in Ibadan, the former Lagos police commissioner was quoted to have said, “We have a lot on our hands. As a Nigerian, you can live anywhere but not as a criminal.

He further added that, “If their cows are like their children, they should also not forget that the crops planted by farmers on their farms too are just like their own children. If I don’t disturb your cows, why should you destroy my crops.”

He lamented that there are many people thwarting the efforts of the security operatives in the state. He made mention of traditional rulers, who trade the safety of the lives of their subjects for cattle.

His words: “Out of 10 cows that a Fulani herder is grazing, eight of them will belong to our people. Some of them are big men. When these criminals are arrested by police, these people will be begging for their release so that the cattle that herders graze for them will not suffer.

He added that some community leaders give out lands to these cattle herders in exchange for cows.

Owoseni said, “There are so many hungry community leaders. Just because they have an event, they ask for a cow from these herders and give them a large expanse of land. When the herders see the land is okay, they will refuse to vacate it.

“These traditional rulers even give out the lands without informing members of their families.”