By Sayo Alagbe
The Asipa of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Barrister Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle, OON, KJW, has expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, theGovernor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, and all traditional rulers across Ogbomoso Zone for their relentless efforts that culminated in the successful release of the abducted victims from Esiele and Yawota communities on Friday.
High Chief Adekunle described the victims’ freedom after several weeks in captivity as a moment of joy, relief, renewed hope and thanksgiving for their families and the entire people of Ogbomosoland. He noted that the release of the captives has brought an end to months of anxiety, uncertainty and fervent prayers offered by individuals, religious bodies and community leaders.
The Asipa particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary leadership and support for the nation’s security architecture, while appreciating Governor Seyi Makinde for his demonstrated commitment to the safety of lives and property in Oyo State. He said the Governor showed remarkable concern throughout the period of the victims’ captivity by working closely with security agencies and community stakeholders to ensure their safe return.
He also paid glowing tribute to Kabiyesi, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, for his exemplary leadership and fatherly role throughout the difficult period. According to him, the monarch consistently mobilised traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders in the search for lasting solutions to the security challenge confronting the area.
High Chief Adekunle recalled his recent meeting with representatives of families whose loved ones were killed during the attacks by the bandits. He said the meeting afforded him the opportunity to sympathise with the bereaved families, reassure them that they were not forgotten, and renew the collective resolve to pursue every lawful means to secure the release of those held captive.
He also recalled the delegation led by the Soun of Ogbomosoland to meet with the Inspector-General of Police, where the plight of the abducted victims and the deteriorating security situation in the affected communities were presented. He stated that the engagement reflected the determination of Ogbomoso traditional institutions to work constructively with the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing insecurity.
The Asipa expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, local intelligence operatives, vigilante groups and all other security agencies whose professionalism, resilience and sacrifice contributed to the successful rescue operation.
While celebrating the release of the captives, High Chief Olusegun Adekunle offered heartfelt prayers for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives during the attacks. He equally prayed that God would comfort their families, grant them the strength to bear the painful loss and reward the sacrifices of every security personnel who participated in restoring peace to the affected communities.
He urged the released victims to remain grateful to God for preserving their lives and to draw valuable lessons from their painful experience in captivity. According to him, life should henceforth be lived with greater appreciation for peace, unity and mutual support within the community.
The Asipa further called on governments at all levels to strengthen security through improved intelligence gathering, increased deployment of personnel, modern surveillance technology and sustained collaboration with local communities. He stressed that vigilance must become a collective responsibility, noting that community members should promptly report suspicious movements to traditional rulers and security agencies.
He equally appealed to the people of Ogbomosoland to remain united, law-abiding and committed to community development. As the nation approaches another electoral cycle, he encouraged eligible citizens to exercise their constitutional right by voting for credible, compassionate and visionary leaders who genuinely place the welfare, security and development of the people above personal interests.
High Chief Barrister Olusegun Adeyemi Adekunle reaffirmed that lasting peace, security, unity and responsible leadership remain the indispensable foundations for sustainable growth and prosperity in Ogbomosoland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. He added that the 25 year development plan put together by the Soun for Ogbomosoland if adopted and implemented successfully will serve as a very for bringing development across the entire zone and would bridge existing gaps in infrastructure and wealth creation.
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