The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, has sought the permission of South-West governors to take decisive action against the perpetrators responsible for the recent killings of three Yoruba monarchs. In an open letter addressed to Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, Adams emphasized his capacity to confront those he termed as enemies of Yoruba land but emphasized the need for official authorization from the regional leaders.
Expressing concern over the escalating threat to the Yoruba race, Adams pointed out the recent murders of two Ekiti monarchs, Oba Olatunde Olusola and Oba Babatunde Ogunsakin, along with an attempted attack on the Alara of Ara Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Fatoba. Additionally, the Olukoro of Koro in Kwara State, Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole, fell victim to assailants who shot him dead in his palace.
Adams drew attention to the vulnerability of the Yoruba people, citing the killing of the Olufon of Ifon, Oba Israel Adeusi, in Ondo State by suspected herdsmen in 2020. He stressed that the recent simultaneous deaths of three Obas within four days represented an unprecedented threat to Yoruba heritage.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo, installed in 2018, highlighted the importance of seeking permission from elected governors, who serve as Chief Security Officers of their respective states, before taking any action. Adams asserted that, in collaboration with the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and 13 affiliated groups, he possessed the capability and logistical support to address the security challenges within six months with the governors’ approval.
In his plea to Governor Oyebanji, Adams called for an urgent meeting with South-West governors to devise a coordinated strategy against the rising insecurity. He expressed readiness to share his security plans and extend maximum support to the Chief Security Officers of the respective states, emphasizing the need for collective action to stem the growing threat in Yoruba land.
