Remmy Hazzan, Special Adviser on Public Communications to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, says popular Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, well known as Sunday Igboho, is welcome in the state.
“Anybody who is willing to help us with the security situation is welcome. Not only Sunday Igboho, whoever has what it takes to help us get security right is welcome in Ogun State,” Hazzan said on Saturday.
Residents and some monarchs of Ketu-speaking villages in the Yewa North Local Government Area of the state had lamented that they were brutalised by soldiers who escorted herdsmen to graze in their communities.
Igboho, who had issued a seven-day quit notice to herdsmen accused of sundry crimes in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State and enforced same, had also said he and his supporters would storm Ogun and other South-West states.
When asked if the state government was ready for the ‘visit’ by Igboho, the Ogun State governor’s aide said any stakeholder who would help the security architecture of the state was welcome.
Hazzan, however, stressed that Igboho “would be welcome for consultation” only and not for any form of violence or confrontation.
He also added that though Igboho was not constitutionally empowered to issue quit notice but the helpless security situation of Ibarapaland warranted the move by the activist.
The governor’s aide said there was the need for restructuring so that state governments can take full control of the security situation in their respective states.
Hazzan refuted claims that his principal —the governor of the state — was not doing enough to secure lives and property in the state.
According to him, Abiodun is engaging widely with stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, traditional rulers and other persons to ensure peace and tranquility in the state.