Secured Society: Owo is One Association Makes Case For Synergy Between Security Organizations And Traditional Institution

Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III (left) and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State

In the aftermath of the arrest of some of the masterminds of the terror attack on St Francis Catholic Church in Owo on June 5 this year, the Owo Is One Association wants the government and the traditional institution to work together to safeguard the security of the society.

In the wake of the terror attack which led to the death of more than 40 people who were murdered when the gunmen stormed the church on June 5, opened fire indiscriminately on the congregation, and also detonated explosives as the worshippers scampered for safety. Security agencies swung into action, while the traditionalists were not left out in the bid to find and arrest the perpetrators of this heinous crime.

A press statement made available to the press in Lagos on Thursday by the National Coordinator of the association through its Director of Publicity, Mr Bosun Oladimeji reads: “We could see that sacrifices and atonements were made by our traditionalists, while grassroots networks were deployed to fret out any useful information, the effort of Kabiyesi, Olowo of Owo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III was also visibly seen during this period. And we thank God that all these efforts were not in vain as the masterminds of the attack are gradually being apprehended to show that prayers work,” said the National Coordinator of Owo Is One Association, Chief Akinboro Aruwajoye.

“While thanking our security agencies on the side of the government, we also gave kudos to our traditionalists for their spiritual efforts to ensure that we get to where we are today. We must appreciate the effort of our Kabiyesi, the Olowo of Owo who is the custodian of our tradition and other traditional title holders in the society,” Aruwajoye said.

He advised that the synergy between the government and the traditional institution is very important to secure the society, adding that more recognition must be given to the traditional institution in order to checkmate evil perpetrators in the communities.