Gbenro Adesina
Governor Seyi Mkainde of Oyo State has approved the immediate release of N100m to Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, for the renovation of his palace that was vandalised by angry protesters of #ENDSARSNow.
Governor Makinde made this promise today during a visit to the palace of Soun, which was attacked by protesters on Sunday October 11, 2020, to register their grievances against various heinous activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) now converted to Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT).
Makinde stated, “I will release N100million Naira immediately to commence the repairs on the things that were damaged in the palace while I will go to town to engage our youth protesters”.
Justifying his action to release the huge amount for the repair of the palace, the Governor said, “I did not expect the level of destruction we have witnessed here. I accept the fact that peaceful protest is legitimate and it is guaranteed under our constitution, but this type of destruction should not have happened at all. This is because the state government is not in control of SARS. Even though, they will say the governor is the chief security officer for the state, I am not in control of the Commissioner of Police of Oyo State. We just work with whoever we met along the way.
He stated further, “We will engage with our people. At the heart of this is not just the issue of SARS. There has been pent-up anger. The issue of the pandemic, unemployment and other factors are those things that led to what we are seeing today. So, I am sincerely sorry for this level of damage, sir. Your children did it. That is part of the price we have to pay for the current state of the country. Kabiyesi, as a government, we will do everything possible to ensure there is palliative. We will also ensure that we beautify the structure”.
“I have also seen the vehicles they destroyed. They have to replace the wind-shields and all of that. Some they have to replace the vehicles completely. I saw a Toyota RAV 4 Car, which is almost completely destroyed. So, I will ask the chairman of Ogbomosho North Local Government and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to come for the assessment”, he added.
Earlier, Makinde pointed out that the ongoing protest rocking the country over calls to end police brutality, are a wake-up call to the leadership of the country to put things in order.
Hesaid, “Let me also say that this is a wake-up call for us. As leaders, we must ensure that we quickly look at how to make most of our youth engaged, otherwise, this will definitely continue”.
In his response, while thanking the governor, the foremost Monarch urged the political office holders to wake up to their responsibilities
The Governor also visited the families of the slain Isiaka Jimoh and others, who lost their lives during the protest.
