The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubalnad, Iba Abiodun Gani Ige Adams, on Tuesday, lamented the spate of kidnappings and killings in the southwest region, describing the scourge as unprecedented.
Iba Adams, who was speaking during the annual thanksgiving service of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), on Tuesday, which held at the Oodua House, 4 Ezekiel Street, Ikeja, Lagos, expressed sadness at the scourge of kidnapping for ransom in the region.
Speaking with a sad tone, Adams expressed the readiness of members of the OPC to defend Yorubaland.
“The killed three Yoruba monarchs across two states within four days. This is unprecedented in the history of Youbaland and cannot be allowed to continue,” Iba Adams said.
Speaking further, the Aareonakakanfo disclosed that he had already written a letter addressed to all the governors in southwest to allow the OPC take up the battle against the deadly bandits causing chaos in Yorubaland.
He added that his group, the OPC, is battle-ready to confront the bandits and end the scourge within six months.
“Nobody is happy with what is happening around us. I have written a letter to the governors in the southwest to allow the OPC take up the battle and confront these evil people. I can assure you that the OPC, with the support of the Almighty, will end all the problem and the evil people responsible for the scourge will be destroyed.”
Iba Adams also spoke on the rising cost of living across Nigeria, and lamented the excruciating pains inflicted on hapless Nigerians.
“Life is becoming unbearable for average Nigerians. Cost of food and other staple items have gone beyond the reach of Nigerians.
“I want to plead with President Bola Tinubu to act fast and end the suffering of the common man.
Earlier, different religious groups; Muslims, Christians and traditional religion, one after the other day prayed and thanked God for His blessings in the past year, even as they prayed for mercy and blessings in the new year.
The programme was graced by dignitaries, including leaders and members of the OPC drawn from the various zones across Lagos State.
The dignitaries include, Professor Kolawole Raheem, the Parakoyi Aareonakakanfo; High Chief Segun Ajiboye; Chief Babajide Tanimowo, Secretary-general of OPC; Chief Dauda Asikolaye, Barejiroro among several others.
The Oodua Band, also an arm of the OPC, entertained the guests with sonorous and soul-lifting praise songs.
