James Sowole in Akure
Disturbed by the recent abduction of the Oniyani of Iyani Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oba Joel Daodu, traditional rulers in the state thursday cursed the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
The monarchs, under the auspices of DE-130 Krowns Club, took the action at their meeting held at the palace of Owaale of Ikare, Oba Kolajo Adegbite-Adedoyin.
Oba Daudu was kidnapped by some unknown gunmen last Saturday on the Owo-Ikare expressway and was released at Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area of the state after four days in captivity.
The Obas, who condemned the kidnap of one of them, also commended the role played by the state government in the release of the abducted monarch.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting of the traditional rulers, Adegbite-Adedoyi said there was need for the government to ensure adequate security and welfare of the traditional rulers in the state.
“It is very unfortunate that an Oba has to be kidnapped by men of the underworld, it is even a taboo in Yorubaland for anybody, no matter how highly placed, to lay his hand on an Oba let alone kidnapping him.
“This is against the tradition, and whoever perpetrated such act will soon see the wrath of God,” he said.
While commending the security agencies for their proactiveness in the release of the kidnapped traditional ruler, Oba Adegbite-Adedoyin said the state governor should see the kidnap incident as a challenge, saying: “Any assault on any traditional ruler is an assault on the state government.
“We are appealing to the government of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to set in motion machinery whereby every Oba in the state is given adequate security always, and that security should be funded by the state government.”
