For the umpteenth time, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli has warned his Baales and Mogajis to desist from any form of crime, insisting that their appointment was not for criminality but for the welfare of their people as well as the development of their respective communities.
According to him, the suspension of Onido, Oba Gbolagade Muritala Babalola by the state government was to pave the way for proper investigation into the Ido mining incident and not a declaration of vacancy of the Ido stool.
Olubadan observed, “It is often remarked by our forebears that when masquerades go about without adequate costume, it calls for soul-searching among the members of the masquerade cult. The current situation in our country as regards security of lives and property calls for serious concern.
“We appreciate the government through the security agencies for its efforts so far just as we call for more because for as long as we still have lice on the cloth, it is certain that the nails cannot be rid of blood dripping. The war against insecurity is still a work in progress and not until the battle is finally won, we won’t keep quiet.
“On our part at the traditional level, we have a lot to do to complement the efforts of the government. As the closest authority to the people, there’s a need for us to be more vigilant.
“At this juncture, let me sound it loud and clear that the essence of my appointing Baales for our local communities is not a license to get involved in crime and criminality, rather, the Baales are appointed to oversee to the overall development of their respective communities”, Olubadan stated.
Arising from the above stated mandate, according to Oba Balogun “Is the need to be mindful of the kind of people we harbour or relate with in our domains. It is certain that somebody that would engage in kidnapping successfully must as a necessity be familiar with the environment so as to know where to face when the crime is committed. The question is where are the members of the community while the criminal is engaging in surveillance?
