An umbrella body of Ibadan Indigenous groups, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), has described as a condemnable and reasonable act an attempt by a group masquerading as Oodua Nation Agitators to forcefully take over the Oyo state government seat of power on Saturday.
It also described it as an affront to Ibadan and its entire Indigenes, as it submitted that Indigenes would not fold their land and allow the miscreants to turn their cherished land into a theatre of war.
The Council commended the efforts of the combined security agencies for repelling the attacks and ensuring that no life was lost during the attack that lasted for several hours
The CCII is quoted in a statement by its President General, Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, saying that the news of the invasion of the Oyo government seat of power was received as a terrible shock.
It was added that the indigenes and non-indigenes were thrown into confusion as business and other related activities were paralysed during the period that the attack lasted.
Ibadanland, according to the statement, had been enjoying relative peace prior to the Saturday incident and, thereby, warned other intending perpetrators against turning the ancient city into an attack launch base.
The statement read in part, “The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), and indeed the entire sons and daughters of Ibadan, received with terrible shock, embarrassment, and consternation, the audacious invasion of the Oyo State Government seat of power, the State Secretariat, Ibadan.
Of great and particular concern was the invasion of Ibadan, which has been enviably enjoying peace, which the indigenes and residents generally are happy about.
It was a deliberate and daring attempt, targeted at seizing power. An attack of preponderance qualified for being described as a localised mutiny, perhaps aimed to be expanded to other parts of the country.
It is not even out of place to suspect that the hoodlums wanted to deliver a diabolical message of taking over Ibadan to be held hostage or captured and kept in captivity.
Information at the disposal of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes is that the invasion was orchestrated and sponsored by yet-to-be-identified individuals and groups.
While the heinous onslaught lasted, there was serious apprehension, consternation, and commotion in the whole of Ibadan City.
All the inhabitants were restless, putting calls across to one another to ensure each other’s safety wherever they were. Economic and other activities were disrupted.
Indigenes in the diaspora too were not left out; they called their loved ones at home to ascertain their safety. Of particular interest to all the residents of Oyo State, particularly the Ibadan sons and daughters, was the whereabouts of His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, who ordinarily would be the target of such a barbaric offensive.
One wondered whether we were at war!
One wondered why these disgruntled elements wanted to turn Ibadan into a theatre of war!!!
We even wondered whether the tumultuous banditry being perpetrated in certain parts of the country was to be extended to Ibadan City. What an unprovoked and appalling insult!!!
As the confusion was going on, information started filtering in that the crime was being committed by a certain group called NATION AGITATORS,” aiming to actualize the establishment of the “OODUA REPUBLIC.”.
How can that be possible in a manner that catches people unawares?
Was Ibadan part of their sinister motive?
As the apprehension persisted, reprieve started to prevail when it was gathered that personnel of various security agencies had moved in to take control.
We thank God that the aim of the urchins failed.
We were relieved when we got to know that the quelling operation was successfully carried out by our galant security personnel. It was an appreciable and enviable feat that the beasts were captured.
We thank God for the safety of the governor and government officials.
Thank God that Satan was shamed.
We congratulate and appreciate the governor for being effectively and successfully proactive.
We appreciate, congratulate, and thank all the stakeholders in the security architecture of the state.
The military, police, civil defence, Amotekun, and other paramilitary outfits involved are all acknowledged and appreciated.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on behalf of the Olubadan designate, Olubadan-in-Council, Obas, Mogajis, Baales Elders, and the entire Ibadan indigenes, hereby condemn this heinous assault in its entirety.
Quite unacceptable!
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