By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Owo, Ondo State, have accused politicians of fueling cultism and violence by using idle youths as tools for political gain. This revelation was made during a security summit organized by the Owo Youth Forum, attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and government representatives, including the state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Falohun.
A communique issued at the summit, signed by Comrade Odunayo Folahanmi, Comrade Hussein Taye Aliyu, and Comrade Damilare Aina, outlined key resolutions aimed at tackling insecurity in the community. These include a ban on cross-body bags identified as potential “mobile armories” for cultists, a call for politicians to cease empowering criminal elements, and a push for parents to monitor their children’s activities closely.
“Politicians must desist forthwith from enabling and patronizing cultists and other criminal elements in Owo Kingdom,” the communique stated, emphasizing the need for collective action to restore peace in the community.
The summit further resolved to proscribe informal street gatherings, known as “junction-by-junction assemblies,” which were described as breeding grounds for delinquency. Additionally, it urged youth groups in Owo to unify under a single representative body to address their concerns more effectively.
Speaking at the summit, Engineer Odunayo Emmanuel Folahanmi lamented the absence of top political leaders at the summit, suggesting their presence would have underscored their commitment to tackling insecurity. He alleged that many politicians arm and empower cultists for their selfish gains, leaving them to wreak havoc on the community once abandoned.
Police Area Commander Adenike Peter corroborated these claims, revealing that political interference often hampers law enforcement efforts. “When we arrest these miscreants, politicians start calling, asking us to release them. This is one of our major challenges,” she said.
Similarly, Dr. Foluso Taiwo of Owo Concerned Youths described cultism and gangsterism as a nuisance threatening the town’s stability. He called on parents to report their children’s involvement in criminal activities and urged the community to support law enforcement with actionable intelligence.
Religious leaders also added their voices to the call for change. The Chief Imam of Government House, Dr. Yunus Anola, highlighted how some religious institutions inadvertently shield cultists, calling for greater accountability. Pastor Benjamin Olayinka, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Owo, appealed to politicians and landowners to stop engaging thugs for personal gain.
Deputy Governor Commits to Action
Representing the state government, Dr. Falohun commended the summit’s organizers and pledged the government’s support in addressing the underlying issues. He acknowledged unemployment as a significant driver of youth delinquency and pledged to initiate empowerment programs to provide alternatives for idle youths.
“These boys are not inherently bad; they are our brothers and sisters. We need to engage and empower them to prevent further grievances,” he said.
The Deputy Governor called for a united front in combating insecurity, urging residents to provide security agencies with critical information to facilitate their work.
The summit concluded with a call for biannual security engagements to review progress and adapt strategies to address emerging challenges. A community-wide march against cultism and social vices is also planned to reinforce Owo’s collective commitment to peace.
The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, and other traditional rulers were praised for their proactive stance against cultism, including traditional curses on perpetrators. Stakeholders believe that with sustained efforts, the ancient town can reclaim its reputation as a peaceful and progressive community.
As Owo grapples with the aftermath of recent cult violence, this security summit offers a glimmer of hope for long-term solutions. The question remains: will political leaders and the community rise to the challenge?
