An important leader in Egba and the father of a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Alani Bankole, has issued a stern warning to coronet Obas under the Egba Traditional Council in Ogun State. He urged them to stop providing shelter to kidnappers within their territories.
Bankole delivered this message on Saturday after being installed as the Apena of Egbaland at the palace of the Alake and paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Alani Bankole, who was thrilled to assume the position of the fifth Apena of Egba, expressed his concerns about the increasing insecurity in Egbaland, particularly the rise in kidnapping incidents.
He emphasized that it is extremely dangerous for any traditional ruler to allow kidnappers to operate freely within their domains.
“It’s extremely dangerous for any Oba to allow kidnappers in their area. From now on, you have to be very cautious. If I have the opportunity and Kabiyesi permits me, any Oba who permits kidnappers to operate in their area will be arrested because you are aware of their activities.
“There is no way you cannot be aware of the people living in your area,” he stated.
The Apena called upon the traditional rulers to collaborate with the Alake, a retired military officer, to eliminate criminals from Egbaland.
He also urged the youth to take action and continue the legacy of the Egbas in leadership positions.
“To all Egba youths, it is time to get to work. Gone are the days when we boasted about having the best lawyer, president, and speaker from Egbaland. What are we doing to maintain such achievements? So, young people, let’s wake up and ensure we keep the flag flying,” Bankole urged.
He promised his loyalty and commitment to the development of Egbaland to the Alake.
Dignitaries present at the event included former Ogun State governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, his predecessor, Chief Segun Osoba, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.