Governor Adeleke visits Akinlalu community, assures residents of justice

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Monday paid a condolence visit to Akinlalu community in Ife North Local Government Area, assuring residents that those responsible for the killings that rocked the town would face the full wrath of the law.

Adeleke said he was deeply pained by the incident, promising that all those found culpable would be dealt with according to the law. “I was pained when this happened. I was in America when it occurred, and I came here directly to tell you how touched I am. I am so sorry that this kind of thing happened,” the governor said.

Responding to the community’s call for the suspension of the Amotekun Commandant, Dr. Isaac Omoyele, the governor said the government was already working on the matter. He added that he had directed the board chairman of the corps, AIG Wale Abass (Rtd.), to ensure a thorough investigation.

Adeleke also assured that the state government would take full responsibility for the treatment of the injured victims. “I have ensured that those who are in hospital are well taken care of. The ventilator they requested for the victims is underway. Their care is my priority at this time,” he stated.

Earlier, the Akinlalu Youth Leader, Comrade Musibau Adeboye, who spoke on behalf of the community, expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s personal visit, saying that his decision to come in person rather than send a delegation had restored the people’s faith and confidence.

The community, however, called for the immediate suspension of the Amotekun Commandant pending investigation, compensation for the victims’ families, a review or restructuring of the Amotekun Corps’ operations in the community, and the re-establishment of a police station.

Also, Chief Kamorudeen Oyebamiji, the Aro of Akinlalu, who lost two of his children in the incident, condemned the utterance of the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, urging him to retract his stance on reopening the sealed Amotekun offices.

The governor was accompanied by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi; the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun; Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye; and members of the State Executive Council. Adeleke also met with the town’s traditional ruler, Oba Israel Oluwabusola Aborisade, families of the victims, and community leaders.