The candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo state, Otunba Benson Akingboye has condemned the alleged inaction of the state government on the rising communal clashes between Ese-Odo and Irele communities.
Akingboye in a statement by his Strategic Communications and Media Adviser, Oyeniyi Iwakun, said lives and property of the people are being destroyed in the crisis.
The statement reads, ” Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), the esteemed candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, has strongly condemned the state government’s insensitivity and inaction regarding the ongoing crisis between the Igbobini of Ese-Odo and Gbeleju residents of Irele Local Government Areas.
” The communities in these regions have been embroiled in a land dispute, resulting in the deeply concerning abduction of Mr. Akindoyo Gideon, a 200-level Engineering student at Kwara State University.
” The crisis is still ongoing, with many farmlands and houses destroyed, leaving the affected people unable to access their farmlands. Otunba Akingboye is profoundly disturbed by these ugly incidents and gravely concerned that the state government, which should have been proactive, has treated the issue with a disquieting lack of urgency.
” Furthermore, the SDP candidate has challenged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for their subtle compromise and failure to call the government to action as an opposition party. This inaction is particularly concerning given that their candidate hails from the affected zone and should have intervened to ensure peace and reconciliation among all parties.
” Otunba Akingboye has urgently called upon all security agencies to swiftly mobilize and ensure the safe release of the innocent young man who has been abducted. He also pleads with all warring parties to embrace peace in the interest of our children and for the development of our state and nation at large.
” In these trying times, Otunba Akingboye reaffirms his commitment to prioritizing the safety, security, and well-being of all Ondo State citizens, should he be elected to lead the state. He vows to address such crises with the utmost sensitivity, urgency, and unwavering determination to uphold justice and maintain peace.”
