Community leaders in Ogun State, Nigeria, have exonerated the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, of allegations that he stalled a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign rally in the area. The leaders, who addressed newsmen at Idowa Town Hall, denied claims that the monarch instructed anyone to stop the PDP campaign train or participated in any violence associated with the incident. They maintained that Oba Okuribido remains a father to all candidates of different political parties.
The Sobaloju of Idowu, High Chief Yusuf Olatunji Olusanya, who spoke on behalf of the community leaders, urged the police and other relevant security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident. He emphasized that the truth should be determined through eyewitness accounts, police records, bank transactions, photographs, videos, and other available evidence. Olusanya also noted that there was no formal notification letter from the PDP to the community or palace informing them of the proposed campaign visit.
The PDP had alleged that it had initially planned to hold its campaign flag-off in Idowa but was prevented from using the venue. The party claimed that it paid N170,000 for the venue of the rally, but was later informed that the designated venue was not available. However, the community leaders described allegations of gunshots, looting, and destruction of vehicles as serious issues that should be investigated rather than treated as political exchanges.
The Dagburewe-in-Council and Oloritun-in-Council of the community also called for clarification over conflicting accounts concerning the movement of the campaign train. While one account suggested that the campaign did not enter Idowa, another indicated that it passed through Ososa and Idowa on its way to Ijebu-Ode. The leaders asked the police to investigate allegations concerning the reported shooting of the son of one Sakiru Bello.
The community leaders emphasized that Oba Okuribido occupies a traditional position that transcends party politics. They noted that if anyone alleges that the monarch stalled a political rally or aided the destruction of property, the proper thing is to present evidence to the appropriate authorities. The leaders also urged the police to be impartial in their investigation.
The incident has sparked concerns about the security of political campaigns in the country. The PDP had accused the monarch of stalling its campaign rally, while the monarch has been exonerated by the community leaders. The police are expected to conduct an investigation into the incident and determine the facts.
The exoneration of the monarch and the call for an investigation have been seen as a move to promote peace and stability in the area. The community leaders have demonstrated their commitment to resolving the issue amicably. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the security of political campaigns and the need for impartial investigations into allegations of violence or disruptions.
Key points
- Community leaders in Ogun State exonerate the Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, of allegations that he stalled a PDP campaign rally.
- The leaders call for an impartial investigation into the incident and urge the police to determine the truth through available evidence.
- The incident highlights the need for ensuring the security of political campaigns and promoting peace and stability in the area.
