The Nigeria Police have launched investigation into an allegation that the Alayetoro of Ayetoro Ekiti, Oba Samuel Olufisan Ajayi (Odundun Asodedero 1) and a group of people, led by one Chief Femi Ajibola, the Sajuku of Ayetoro-Ekiti, conspired to allegedly vandalise and steal two transformers located at Oke-Odi community in the town.
The probe, accordimg to soirces, followed a petition dated 13th March, 2022, written by an Akure-based Lawyer, Barr. Iyiola Afolabi and addressed to the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in-charge of Zone 17, Ijapo Akure.
In the petition, the lawyer, who wrote it on behalf of 19 clients who are indigenes of Ayetoro-Ekiti, pointed out that “Our clients, the Oke-Odi Quarters, Ayetoro-Ekiti have been thrown into darkness and the business of residents negatively affected by the unlawful removal of the transformers meant to supply electricity to the community.
A copy of the petition obtained by newsmen stated: “This dastardly act was allegedly committed by a group of people led by one Chief Femi Ajibola, the Sajuku of Ayetoro-Ekiti who allegedly sold the transformers to merchants from lbadan, Oyo State. Our clients reported this incident to the Alayetoro-in Council, which mandated Chief Femi Ajibola and his cohorts to return the transformers latest the 15th December 2021.
“Upon failure to comply with this directive, our clients reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State where their representatives made statements to the Police since the 21st December, 2021.
“At the Ekiti State Police Headquarter, facts emerged that the Alayetoro of Ayetoro Ekiti, His Royal Highness, Oba Samuel Oluhun Ajayi (Odundun Asodedero 1) actually gave the Instruction for the removal of the transformers as well as about 4 other transformers) in Ayetoro-Ekiti.
“The suspects were granted bail at the Ekiti State Police Headquarter, Ado Ekiti with an understanding that the transformers shall be returned within two weeks.
“However up till date, the transformers are still at large and no charges have been preferred against the affected individuals, possibly owing to their positions in the community. The merchants who received the stolen products in the guise of purchasers were also not invited for interrogation.
“We have the instruction of our clients, the OKE-ODI QUARTERS, AYETORO EKlTl to request that you (AIG) use your good offices to take over the investigation of the case to give succor to the suffering masses and bring any culpable individual to justice, knowing that the law is no respecter of persons and positions,” the legal practitioner said.
When contacted on telephone for his reaction, Chief Femi Ajibola, the Sajuku of Ayetoro-Ekiti, declined comment, saying “I don’t have anything to discuss with journalists, please keep off.”
It was reliably learnt that the AIG office had on Wednesday March 16, 2022 summoned the monarch and other suspects for questioning over the incident.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone-17, Mr Akeem Adeoye said the AIG office had started investigation into the matter.
