The Owo Concerned Group in Ondo State has linked the escalating cult violence in the Owo area to political backing and parental neglect.
At a stakeholders’ meeting held over the weekend, the group called on politicians to stop supporting and inciting violence in the region.
The recent wave of cult clashes has claimed the lives of five individuals, including a politician, a woman, and her child. In response, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, imposed a curfew in Owo to address the growing violence, largely driven by cult groups’ rivalry for dominance.
Meanwhile, eight individuals have been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court in connection with the killings. The suspects, including Ogunseyila Oladimeji (28), Olabode Ojo, alias “Popo” (30), Adeola Bero (30), Olayemi Ayodele (20), Ijalade Femi, Ijarotimi Taye (42), and two sisters, Bisi Gbenga (25) and Esther Gbenga (20), face charges of conspiracy, cultism, murder, illegal firearm possession, and possessing stolen vehicles.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, signed by Comrades Odunayo Folahanmi, Hussein Taye Aliyu, and Damilare Aina, the group pointed to political patronage and parental failure as key factors in the unrest.
Political Patronage: The group accused politicians of empowering and supporting cultists, which has led to a breakdown of law and order in Owo.
Parental Neglect: The absence of effective parental oversight has contributed to an increase in cultism and criminal activity among young people.
Traditional Leadership: The group urged traditional rulers to work together to protect the peace and development of Owo Kingdom.
Several resolutions were proposed to address the crisis:
- Political Responsibility: Politicians must cease supporting criminal elements and cultists in Owo.
- Religious and Community Leadership: Spiritual leaders are encouraged to foster forgiveness and reconciliation as key elements of community development.
- Security Measures: Prohibit the use of cross-body bags, often used as mobile armories by cultists, and ban informal street gatherings to curb delinquency.
- Youth Engagement: Consolidate existing youth groups into a unified body to represent the youth of Owo.
- Parental Responsibility: Parents must take an active role in guiding their children, emphasizing the dangers of cultism and crime.
- Biannual Security Engagements: Regular security summits should be held to assess and improve the situation.
- Community Recognition: Establish ways to honor individuals who bring pride and positive recognition to Owo.
- Anti-Cultism Awareness: Organize public walks to raise awareness about the dangers of cultism and other social vices.
The group also urged the police to avoid unjust arrests and the extortion of innocent residents.
The communiqué emphasized that addressing Owo’s security issues is a collective responsibility. It concluded, “The resolutions here aim to unite all stakeholders to restore peace, security, and socio-economic progress to Owo Local Government.”
The summit was attended by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olaide Adelami, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kolawole, and traditional rulers from the communities within Owo Local Government.
