The traditional ruler of Babanla in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State, Oba Adegboyega Yusuf Arojojoye II, has debunked the rumour that money running into millions of naira was found in his bank accounts.
The community has been in the news in recent times following the incessant attacks on the residents and its environs by the bandits.
The monarch who addressed a press conference yesterday in Ilorin, the state capital, described the reports that millions of naira suspected to be proceeds of kidnapping were found in his bank accounts as not only unfounded but cruel.
“I want to state clearly that no millions of naira were traced to my bank accounts by any government agency. I can also vouch for the monarch of Alabe that no millions of naira were found in his bank accounts.
“On the issue of my wife who is appoint of sale (PoS) operator, I don’t want to talk on that as investigation was ongoing,” the monarch said.
He, however, urged the state government and private investors to put the vast forests around his domain to productive use, noting that criminals were exploiting them as hideouts for banditry and kidnapping.
Arojojoye clarified that none of his subjects were kidnapped during the recent attacks on the community, but two members of the Miyetti Allah group, a police officer, and two indigenes lost their lives in the incident.
He said the invaders struck on a market day, carting away goods, looting property and stealing about 20 motorcycles.
The monarch said beyond security, developing the forest for agricultural, commercial, or industrial purposes would create jobs, boost local economies, and deny criminals the cover they currently enjoy.
He appealed to the Nigerian Army to establish a barracks within the forest as part of a comprehensive security strategy.
Arojojoye also called on the state and federal governments to work together with investors to convert the area into a hub of economic activities that would benefit surrounding communities.
The monarch appreciated the efforts of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the heads of security agencies in the state at making his community safe for people to live.
