The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Monday urged the Federal Government and security and intelligence institutions to intensify efforts towards addressing threats against the people of Ira, Inaja, and Aho communities, in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
In a statement signed by his Personal Assistant, Dele Kolade, in Ibadan, Oba Owoade charged the government to amplify intelligence gathering and preventive intervention, condemning the threats and the violence that often follows them in the strongest terms.
Oba Owoade was reacting to a letter allegedly dropped by gunmen suspected to be bandits at the Ira market area, stating that they are targeting the communities of Ira, Inaja, and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, with a pledge to strike “anytime soon.”
This was coming weeks after an attack that occurred recently in Kaima Local Government Area of the State, where over 100 people were massacred by the suspected men of the underworld.
While stating that such acts constitute a direct affront to the authority of the Nigerian state, the monarch described the situation as an assault on the fundamental rights of citizens residing and trading in the affected communities.
Oba Owoade however called for a well-coordinated and sustained security presence, backed by rapid response mechanisms, to reassure residents that protection of their lives and property, is consistent and not occasional.
He commended the ongoing deployments, patrols, and operational engagements, aimed at protecting law-abiding communities, particularly those situated along forest pathways and other vulnerable terrains, noting that the safety of rural and border communities must command the same seriousness and urgency as the security of major cities.
The statement read in part, “The Throne of the Alaafin of Oyo has received, with profound concern, reports of a threatening letter allegedly dropped at the Ira market area, targeting the communities of Ira, Inaja and Aho in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, and vowing to strike ‘anytime soon.’
“The report further suggests that the authors of this cowardly letter claimed a spurious identity and sought to create panic through intimidation and fear.
“Ira holds deep cultural significance within the wider Yoruba heritage as the ancestral hometown of the legendary Oya, wife of Sango.
“No community with such history and dignity, and indeed no Nigerian community anywhere, should be forced to live under the shadow of terror or to contemplate displacement from ancestral soil by faceless criminals.
“The Alaafin condemns these threats and the violence that often follows them in the strongest terms. Such acts do not merely menace a few communities; they constitute a direct affront to the authority of the Nigerian state and a grave assault on the fundamental rights of citizens to live, farm, trade, worship, and raise their children in peace, without coercion, without extortion, and without fear.
“No criminal group, however hidden, has the right to dictate how our people live, where they sleep, or whether they remain on their ancestral soil. When terrorists attempt to impose fear as a substitute for lawful authority, they attack the very meaning of citizenship and the foundations of our collective order.”
These threats, Alaafin said, emerged against a troubling backdrop of recent terrorist activity in the wider area, an escalation that has already cost lives and destroyed property, leaving families grieving and communities anxious.
“We must not normalise a situation where law-abiding people live at the mercy of faceless criminals. We must not accept a reality in which villages empty at the sound of rumours, markets close under threat, and communities look over their shoulders as though fear has become a permanent resident.
“At the same time, the Alaafin acknowledges that insecurity is a complex national challenge requiring sustained, coordinated action. It is encouraging that both the Kwara State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria have continued to demonstrate commitment to addressing insecurity and safeguarding affected communities.
“At this time, sustained, visible, and well-coordinated efforts will further reinforce public confidence and reassure citizens that government protection remains active and dependable.”
Owoade therefore called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and all relevant security and intelligence institutions to intensify action immediately.
“The ongoing deployments, patrols, and operational engagements aimed at protecting law-abiding communities, particularly those situated along forest pathways and other vulnerable terrains, deserve commendation.
“However, the present situation calls for a sustained and well-coordinated security presence, backed by rapid response mechanisms, to reassure residents that protection is not occasional but consistent, not symbolic but effective. The safety of rural and border communities must command the same seriousness and urgency as the security of our major cities.
The monarch also called for strengthened inter-agency cooperation, timely intelligence sharing, proactive intervention, and structured community engagement that enables early warning and prevention.
While declaring solidarity for the people of the affected communities, Alaafin, urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies, to strengthen community watchfulness through respnsible channels, and to report credible suspicious movements promptly.
“Community vigilance must remain disciplined and coordinated, never reckless, never vengeful, never an excuse for disorder. We must protect our people without undermining the rule of law that ultimately protects us all.
“To those responsible for these acts of violence, and to any individuals or groups who may be supporting them, the Alaafin offers this firm assurance. Yoruba traditional and community leaders across the country will not stand idly by while peace-loving communities are threatened, displaced, or harmed.
“The Alaafin remains in close communication with other respected leaders across the country, including the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, as well as other royal fathers and community stakeholders, to ensure that the people of Ira and neighbouring communities receive the moral support, communal solidarity, and coordinated advocacy required at this time,” the statement added.
