Insecurity: Alaafin breaks silence, says ethnic groups may begin to defend themselves

Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, the Alaafin of Oyo on Tuesday  warned the Federal Government of Nigeria that the killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, the daughter of Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, may force each ethnic group in Nigeria to resort to self-help security which may  be against the interest of the country.

The prominent custodian of culture,  Oba Adeyemi made this known in a statement personally signed and made available to Nigerian Tribune, titled: “The killing of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, by unknown gunmen – a disgrace to Nigeria,” and made available to newsmen.

Oba Adeyemi maintained that the killing has further put a question mark on the central police system currently in operation in the country, adding that today’s leaders must review the issue of power decentralisation.

“The killing of the daughter of the distinguished leader of Afenifere, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, by gunmen is certainly one too many.

“Too many because Chief Fasoranti is one of those eminent citizens of the country to whom the security situation of the country has been a major concern. The concern shown by the likes of Chief Fasoranti on the security of the country was borne out of patriotism without the slightest knowledge that the insecurity was closed to his door.

“For a country with national cohesion and purpose, that certainly is not the best way to honour such patriotic citizens at his age. I can only pray to God who only can console Papa to wipe off the tears in him.

“The fact must also be made clear that national unity is predicated on internal security. This brings into play the current debate on the desirability or otherwise of a single centre in the maintenance of security in a heterogenic country as largely diverse as Nigeria.

“Unless something is done urgently about power decentralisation, each ethnic group may be forced to self-help security structure which at the end may not be the best for the country”, Alaafin warned.