James Sowole in Akure
Traditional rulers in Ondo State wednesday berated the police for their alleged failure to arrest and prosecute some identified hoodlums who attacked the Olu of Igbokoda, Oba Afolabi Odidiomo, at his palace at Igbokoda, the headquarters of Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The President of theâ€130 Crowns Club†the Aladeokun of Alade Idanre, Oba Olusegun Akinbola, made the remarks in his palace while speaking on the recent maltreatment of some traditional rulers in the state.
The monarch specifically expressed displeasure that an identified leader of attackers of Odidiomo was still working freely on the streets despite the fact that he had been declared wanted.
The monarch described the situation as an abomination and clear indication that government no longer values their revered stools.
The Olu of Igbokoda narrowly escaped death after he was macheted by some suspected hoodlums two weeks ago, but the Ondo State Police Command said it had arrested two of the suspects while Iwatan was declared wanted by the force.
Apparently not happy over the delay in bringing the perpetrators to justice, the 130 Crown Obas said they found it unpalatable and unacceptable for the police and the government to be foot-dragging in prosecuting the thugs and their sponsors.
He added that security operatives should always do the needful at the right time to prevent people from taking law into their own hands.
Akinbola also expressed displeasure over the delay in convicting suspects arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Oniyani of Iyani Akoko, Oba Joel Daodu few months ago, noting that continuous attacks on royal fathers was a great indication that government had failed in protecting her citizenry.
He therefore called on the Ondo State Government to collaborate with security agencies in providing adequate security for them and at their various palaces to prevent kidnapping, attacks and assault on traditional stools in the state.
He said roles of traditional rulers in ensuring peace and tranquility in the country at large should be enhanced by constitutionally empowering monarchs to do their communal duties.