In the wake of a triumphant crackdown on kidnappers in Ajao Estate, Ladipo, Lagos, kakalistiq.com reports that HRM Dr. Babatunde Ogunlaja JP FMBE, the Aladeshonyin of Odo-Noforija kingdom and President-General of the world’s largest forum of traditional rulers, Heritage Forum and, has praised the Nigeria Police for their exceptional bravery.
Police in Lagos, last week engaged in a shootout with suspected kidnappers in the Ladipo area, resulting in the death of nine suspects. The operation executed five days ago was a response to a foiled kidnap attempt which elicited a rain of accolades from the revered monarch. “It’s a very big achievement for men of the Nigeria Police to be on alert to arrest the situation by exterminating almost all the kidnappers,” Oba Ogunlaja stated.
He attributed this success to the proactive security strategies of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES plus agenda and strong synergy between the police and vigilant citizens who provided crucial tips. Oba Ogunlaja emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activities as criminals often live among them.
Highlighting the ongoing issue of land grabbing, Oba Ogunlaja, the Welfare Committee Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs urged the government security outfit responsible for this menace, particularly the Lagos State Special Task Force on Land Grabbers (LSSTFLG) to take swift action to ensure peace in communities. “We want to see the effectiveness of the land-grabbers task force of the Lagos State government. Land-grabbers have moved downwards to Epe and are causing chaos. You don’t even need land-grabbers to claim your landed properties if you’re the genuine owner. Or better still, go to court for redress.”
He called for greater government support to traditional rulers to prevent communal crises, noting the sophisticated methods land-grabbers use to incite conflict.
Speaking from his palatial residence in Odo-Noforija, Epe Division on Tuesday, the Vice-Chairman of Epe Divisional Council of Obas and Chiefs also lauded Hon. Ismail Akinloye, Chairman of Eredo LCDA, for his proactive measures in organizing a Peace and Security Stakeholders meeting.
“We commend the chairman for convening the security meeting because it’s also a routine for us traditional leaders. We want him to work in synergy with government agencies, traditional leaders, and vigilantes to forestall incidences of insecurity,” Oba Ogunlaja said.
He also questioned why young people frequent relaxation centres known as “Base” in the mornings instead of working or visiting in the evenings, implying a need for a shift in societal habits.
Oba Ogunlaja further elaborated on the collaborative efforts in the Eredo LCDA, mentioning how his counterpart, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Dr Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, rallied the Amotekun security outfits and vigilantes, along with government agencies, in significantly reducing kidnapping incidents in the Igbooye, Ilara, Igbo-Nla and Ijih areas. He noted the support of his royal family in Erimope, who have provided boat engines and canoes for patrols to bolster waterway security.
Oba Ogunlaja stressed the urgent need for the government to tackle the rampant land-grabbing issues in the Epe area, which have overwhelmed traditional palaces and police stations with cases.
