Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has visited Ago Alaye and Araromi Obu in Odigbo Local Government, where communal clashes broke out on Tuesday over land dispute.
The governor who led Commissioner of Police in the state, Undie Adie, and the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Zakari Logun Abubakar to the affected communities decried the level of destruction done by the perpetrators after he was conducted round Ago Alaye community which has been deserted.
Recall that Ago-Alaye has been the focal point of clashes between the people of Araromi Obu in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state and indigenes of Ikale of Okitipupa Local Government over the ownership of land.
With two deaths and over seven injuries already recorded as well as houses razed in the melee, the people of Araromi Obu are pointing accusing finger at the Ikales on what they described as “unwarranted” attacks.
The unrest subsequently led to a 24-hour curfew placed on the community by Akeredolu on Wednesday in order to prevent the continuous breakdown of law and order in the community.
At the palace of the Ajobu of Araromi Obu, Oba Aderemi Adelola, Akeredolu assured the monarch and residents of the town of adequate safety as he warned that if the violence persists, decisive action will be taken.
Governor Akeredolu, who said security forces were on ground to maintain peace and order, commended the Ajobu of Araromi Obu for maintaining peace in the community, particularly by appealing to the people against a reprisal.
“When we heard about the disturbance at Ago Alaye, we made our decision to make sure that total curfew imposed on Ago Alaye is in place. Luckily for them, they have deserted the place.
“I have heard that you called your subjects that there should not be any reprisal. You have maintained peace within Araromi community. We thank you for that. We will not allow miscreant to disturb the peace in this community.”
The governor also visited the rubber plantation in the community, Rubber Estate Nigeria Limited, where he stated that “When I got to Ago Alaye, I decided to come here and see. I learnt since the unfortunate incident, the factory has shut down.
“I felt we should come in and tell you that we have put enough security around and there’s no reason for you to be afraid. You can go ahead and do your business. This factory is important to us.”
Governor Akeredolu later visited the Palace of Abodi of Ikale land, Oba George Babatunde Faduyile, where he pleaded with the traditional rulers in Ikale land to call their people in Ago Alaye to order.
