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Criminal herdsmen in Ibarapa aided by jobless indigenes —Igboho monarch

Published

5 years ago

June 19, 2021

The Ona Onibode, Oba AbdulRasheed Adetoyese, is one of the three traditional rulers in Igboholand, Oke Ogun part of Oyo State.

In this interview, Oba Adetoyese talks about his relationship with the other traditional rulers in the community, why attacks on the community by criminal herders have been frequent, the roles that monarchs should play in governance, his relationship with ethnic activist Sunday Igboho and why it is difficult to stop criminal activities in Oke-Ogun area.

The people of Oke Ogun appear to have suffered more than any other community in Oyo State as a result of attacks by criminal herders. What could be responsible for this?

In my area here in Oke Ogun 2, we have little problems. When I say Oke-Ogun 2, I am talking about the Saki axis of Oyo State. It is different in Oke-Ogun 1, which is Iseyin and Ibarapa areas. There are more herders there than here. But the herders here have been living with us from time immemorial.

Also, we have constituted a security committee, and Fulani people who have been living with us for a very long time are members of this committee. Any time they see new sets of herders coming into the community, they would inform the monarch of the town. This has helped us in keeping tabs on the new herders that are coming into Igboho. Also, the Old Oyo National Park is very close to us. There some criminal herders used to hide. But to the glory of God, it is impossible now for the criminal herders to hide because of the combined efforts of local hunters, Amotekun, vigilante and the police.

The army barracks at Saki also deters criminal herders from using the forest. So crime among herders is not pronounced in our area. We have little problem here, unlike other Ibarapa areas.

What do you think the government can do to stop the problem of herdsmen attacking communities?

I don’t think you should limit the problems of insecurity to criminal herders alone. I would prefer we address the crimes being perpetrated by both herders and indigenes.

Some of our sons are unemployed and they engage in one crime or the other. If the government gives local government autonomy, these problems will be reduced. At least, governance would be nearer to the people. It is sad that graduates do not have anything to do other than ride okada (commercial motorcycles). This set of people is tempted to commit crime or act as accessories to crime if tempted with money.

If there is local government autonomy, there will be jobs in the community. The law that established the local government should be re-examined and the government should pump more money into the local government.

Government should also fund the local hunters in order to fight crimes. They are closer to the community and they know the terrains.

Unfortunately, these criminals have continued to come with different tactics day in and day out.

Look at Niger State; it used to be safe and peaceful, but not anymore. The increase in crime rate is not peculiar to any region in Nigeria. Everybody is feeling the pain of unemployment.

The crime rate would have been high in this part of Oke-Ogun if not for the security measure we put in place, though we still have pockets of crimes here and there, like herders going to destroy farms. But if you compare this with the way these criminals attack villages in the north, the difference is poles apart.

Crime in Ibarapa is high because some of the indigenes are working in tandem with the criminal herders in perpetrating crimes in the area. Things are worse there because there is a forest in that axis that shares a border with the Benin Republic. The forest is the hideout for the criminals. Government needs to support the local hunters in fighting crime on that axis. If local hunters go there and invade the forest without the support of the government, it could be counterproductive. For example, those who arrested a suspected kidnapper, Wakili, and handed him over to the police were detained. Government needs to find a solution to insecurity. For the problem of Nigeria to be solved, we need a new constitution, not constitution amendment.

In all this, what role do you think traditional rulers should play?

Unfortunately, the present political arrangement does not favour traditional rulers. The traditional institution is not part of governance. Traditional rulers are not part of political decision making. Yet traditional rulers are closer to the people. For example, here, in each of the local government areas, there are traditional council members. Each council has 15 members who are expected to be meeting periodically. Besides that, we have the ones for states too. But most of them are currently not meeting. Some governors do not even consult these traditional rulers on security matters.

Traditional rulers do not have any role to play in the Nigerian constitution. In the olden days, monarchs were charged with ensuring peace in their communities. But now, the local government chairman is in charge. Even in electing or appointing these local government chairmen, the traditional rulers are not contacted. The traditional institution will address the problem of insecurity if the new constitution is made.

There are three traditional rulers in Igboho. How have you managed to avoid clashes?

Each of the monarchs has his own domain. If something happens, we call ourselves to manage whatever happens in the wards.

Also, the government has created wards. In my domain, I have four wards. I have the largest quarters in the town. We are always in touch.

When there is a conflict of interests, how do you resolve it?

Yes, we sometimes have conflict of interests, but what we have resolved is that whatever benefit is coming, is coming to Igboho and Igboho people are the ones that would benefit. It is one town under the umbrella of three kings. The government is aware that there are three kings in Igboho.

Majority of the people are more familiar with Sunday Igboho than Sunday Adeyemo. What is the relationship between Sunday Igboho and the Igboho community?

Sunday Adeyemo is a native of Igboho. He had in many interviews explained that he grew up in Modakeke, Osun State and his father, while living in Modakeke, was known as Baba Igboho because he hailed from Igboho. Then people were calling him Sunday Omo Baba Igboho. Later, they removed the ‘omo’ and started addressing him as Sunday Igboho when his father left Modakeke and returned to Igboho. He is an Igboho son. His father and mother are from Igboho.

Not all the Yoruba are in support of his crusade, especially his quest for an Oduduwa nation. If you were to advise him, what would you be telling him?

You should understand that something brought about the agitation. The killing of the Yoruba in Ibarapa area brought about the agitation. Even many people were in pain before his own agitation started. Many people felt these herders would not stop oppressing the natives to the extent that even when their cattle graze on the farms, if the farmer resisted, he would be arrested. And the police were helpless too. Many of the natives were displeased with this. That was the beginning of the agitation. Some who were displeased but could not do anything decided to support him.

For those who are against him, you should understand that not everybody would accept your cause. Some people who feel that a united Nigeria holds more benefits for them than a fragmented country would not support him. Probably in his own wisdom, he feels if Yoruba stands as a nation, it would be beneficial than being part of a united Nigeria.

Even among the traditional rulers, there is no consensus.

Traditional rulers are suffering. Ideally, we are supposed to assist the populace. But it is not so. And that is why you see traditional rulers pandering to the wishes of politicians. Those who are advising Sunday Igboho to do this or that have reasons for doing so.

Traditional rulers are now running away from tradition and some rites. Do you think this is healthy?

Yes, that is true. And there are many reasons for this. If you don’t know the foundation of something, it will be a lot difficult for you to destroy it. If you check the history of Yoruba monarchs, you would see that the majority of them had short reigns. The reason was not far-flung. Most of these people who were privy to the traditional rites had the key to the lives of these monarchs, and they would do anything to terminate the reigns of such traditional rulers if they were displeased with them. But the present day monarchs are wiser. They avoid some of these rites in order not to be entangled. This is the more reason they run away from certain rites and they live longer. Monarchs are more careful now.

GBENGA ADERANTI

– Vanuard

News

FG Opens Application for Second Cohort of TVET Programme to Tackle Unemployment

Published

1 hour ago

April 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa

FG Opens Application for Second Cohort of TVET Programme to Tackle Unemployment

The Federal Government has officially opened applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, a nationwide skills development initiative designed to tackle unemployment, promote entrepreneurship, and strengthen Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who confirmed that the application portal went live on Monday at 4:00 pm (WAT), urging Nigerians across all age groups to take advantage of the opportunity.

He described the initiative as a key component of the government’s broader human capital development strategy, aimed at equipping citizens with practical, industry-relevant skills that can drive job creation and economic productivity.

Alausa noted that the first phase of the programme recorded massive nationwide participation, with over 1.3 million applications, describing it as evidence of strong demand for vocational training and skills acquisition in Nigeria.

He added that the government remains committed to expanding access to hands-on technical education as part of efforts to reduce unemployment and encourage self-reliance.

TVET Programme Structure: Two Training Tracks

According to official details, the programme is divided into two major pathways:

The Short-Term Certificate Track runs for six months and is designed for beginners seeking foundational technical and vocational skills.

Eligibility Requirements and Application Process

Applicants are required to have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to complete registration.

Candidates applying for the advanced track may also be required to provide proof of prior learning or relevant educational qualifications.

The application process is open to Nigerians nationwide, with training centres spread across federal and state technical colleges as well as accredited private institutions.

Benefits of the TVET Programme

Participants in the programme will enjoy several benefits, including:

Fully funded free tuition under the Federal Government
Monthly training stipends to support participants
Practical, hands-on instruction in selected skill areas
Nationally recognised certification upon completion
Access to start-up support and small business financing opportunities

Skills and Training Areas Covered

The programme covers a wide range of high-demand sectors, including:

Electrical installation and maintenance
Welding and fabrication
Automobile repair and mechanical services
Digital and creative media production
Fashion design and tailoring
Agriculture and agribusiness development
Renewable energy technologies

Officials say the curriculum is designed to align with Nigeria’s growing need for skilled manpower in both industrial and emerging sectors.

FG Push for Skills-Based Economy

The Federal Government says the TVET initiative is part of ongoing reforms aimed at transitioning Nigeria toward a more skills-driven and production-based economy.

It is also expected to reduce dependence on white-collar jobs by encouraging young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship, technical innovation, and self-employment.

With training centres located across all six geopolitical zones, the programme is positioned as one of the government’s largest national efforts to expand access to vocational and technical education in Nigeria.

FG Opens Application for Second Cohort of TVET Programme to Tackle Unemployment

News

INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts

Published

3 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN

INEC: Chairman Joash Amupitan Has No X Account, Warns Against Fake Posts

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that its Chairman, Joash Amupitan, does not operate any personal account on X (formerly Twitter), distancing him from controversial posts circulating online and allegedly linked to an impersonation account.

INEC’s clarification was reinforced by its ICT Director, Lawrence Bayode, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, where he confirmed that the commission had already issued an official statement addressing the issue.

Bayode stated that any content circulating under accounts claiming to represent the INEC chairman should be disregarded, stressing that such accounts are not recognised by the commission.

“Based on the official statement issued by the commission, the chairman does not maintain any personal X account. Any content attributed to such an account is not recognised by the commission as originating from him,” he said.

He explained that the controversy highlights a broader challenge of digital impersonation and misinformation, warning that false online identities can easily be used to mislead the public and damage trust in national institutions, particularly during sensitive political periods.

News

Tinubu Aide Defends Early INEC Statement Release on Amupitan Controversy

Published

11 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan

Tinubu Aide Defends Early INEC Statement Release on Amupitan Controversy

A presidential media aide, Dada Olusegun, has defended his decision to circulate a statement clearing the embattled Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, hours before it was officially released by the commission, saying his action falls within his responsibility to communicate government activities.

The controversy began after Olusegun posted on X (formerly Twitter) at about 8:12 pm on April 10, sharing a statement denying allegations that Amupitan had links to pro-government or pro-APC political activity during the 2023 general elections.

However, INEC reportedly published the same statement on its official platform the following day at about 6:16 pm on April 11, a timing gap that triggered public debate and questions about coordination between the presidency and the electoral body.

The development immediately sparked concerns online, with critics questioning why a presidential aide would publish a statement involving an independent institution before the commission itself, raising renewed discussions about the independence of INEC and institutional communication protocols.

Reacting to the backlash, Olusegun dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing, insisting that there was no conspiracy and that the similarity in messaging should not be misinterpreted.