Security Operatives Harass Mourners At Awujale’s 8-day Firdau Prayer

Mourners who thronged the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, venue of the 8-day Firdau prayer for the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona were yesterday subjected molested by some overzealous security operatives detailed to man the gates at the stadium.

The security agents, who consisted of personnel of the Nigerian Army (NA), the police, the DSS, as well as operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), also physically assaulted people with horse whips and cudgels, with many falling into the drainage while attempting to flee from soldiers who were forcefully drove the people away.

Substantial numbers of mourners, including Muslim clerics, traditional rulers, and media practitioners, who had all thronged the Dipo Dina Stadium since around 8:30 a.m., were disappointed when the security operatives would not allow them free entry and exit into the stadium.

Also, highly respected sons and daughters of Ijebuland, who had turned up for the event under their age grades “Regberegbe” groups, were barred from gaining access to the main arena of the stadium.

Politicians, including serving and past local government chairmen, senators, and others, were not spared the humiliation. A former deputy governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Kaka, forced his way amidst the pulling and pushing at the venue.

LEADERSHIP, however, gathered that the strict security arrangement was a fallout of the instructions given by the burial committee inaugurated by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, under the chairmanship of the secretary to the state government (SSG), Tokunbo Talabi, to enable them manage the anticipated crowd.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also graced the prayer session as the chief mourner of the ceremonies.