The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has directed security agencies to investigate and fish out killers of 32-year old Bayo Agbetoke, who was shot dead, on Saturday, 18th May, 2024 during a bloody boundary dispute between Eda Oniyo Ekiti and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara State.
The victim was said to have been killed when some irate youths from Obbo Ayegunle allegedly invaded Eda Oniyo Ekiti, in Ilejemeje Local Government Area for the second time and unleashed terror on the residents, over protracted crisis on the ownership of a sprawling parcel of land located between the border towns .
Oyebanji, during a sympathy visit to the palace of Eleda of Eda Oniyo, Oba Julius Awolola and the deceased’s family on Monday, described the killing as saddening and unwarranted, promising to initiate peace- building process with Kwara State for accelerated resolution of the dispute.
The governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, condemned the gruesome killing of the deceased, describing such action as callous and morally reprehensible.
Oyebanji promised that his government would work collaboratively with security agencies to nab the killers and bring them to justice, while pledging more security beef up in the town to ward off assailants.
The governor urged Eda Oniyo community to embrace peace and rein in their youths against taking reprisal actions that could further exacerbate the already supercharged atmosphere.
“This killing was highly devastating and uncalled for. It becomes more painful to me because it came barely four days after I met with the stakeholders from Eda Oniyo, led by your royal highness, chiefs and elite. We promised that this matter will be resolved officially with Kwara State Government.
“The government of Governor Biodun Oyebanji places high value on the security of lives and property and under no guise would he allow anyone to kill any Ekiti indigene and go scot-free. I assure you, the killers will be brought to book.
“I have that confidence that his colleague in Kwara State won’t be happy about the sordid turn of event between the two formerly friendly communities. How can we be killing ourselves over land?
“I really sympathise with you on the death of one of you. But I want to appeal to you not to take a reprisal action. Continue to maintain peace no matter the level of provocation. The government is on top of the situation, we are with you”, Oyebanji assured.
Consoling Eda Oniyo indigenes, who converged on the palace to mourn the deceased, Oyebanji added: “We have contacted the Kwara State Government. Please don’t take laws into your hands. What is most important is that, the killers should be apprehended and we will ensure this.
“Pending the time this tension will subside, I appeal to you, don’t move about anytime after 8pm to avert further attacks. You can’t fight for yourselves. You have intermarried with Obbo Ayegunle and shared relationships.
“This incident might be painful, but Mr. Governor will not support you to take actions that suggest that you want to retaliate. It is not in the best interest of the two states”, he warned.
On the governor’s entourage were : lawmaker representing Ilejemeje constituency in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Iyabo Fakunle Okieimen; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode; Special Adviser on Internal Security, Brig Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana; Ilejemeje Council boss, Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi; representative of Surveyor General, Surveyor Rufus Gbadura; Secretary to Ekiti State Boundary Commission, Surveyor Olalekan Olajide, security agencies, among others.
