A civic group, The Osun Masterminds, has called for justice over the alleged killing of residents in Akinlalu, Ife North Local Government, by operatives of the Amotekun Corps, describing the incident as a tragic outcome of government negligence.
Addressing journalists during the October edition of it’s State of the State press conference held in Osogbo, the Executive Director of the group, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, accused the Osun State Government of ignoring earlier warnings against the appointment of an officer with a questionable record as the head of the security outfit.
According to him, the group had previously petitioned the government over the appointment of Adekunle Omoyele, whose service years in the Nigeria Police Force were allegedly marked by accusations of brutality and abuse of power.
Oyedokun-Alli commended the Nigeria Police Force for stepping in to investigate the killings, urging the state government to cooperate fully with the police to restore public confidence in Amotekun.
“We are saddened that instead of acting swiftly, the state government appeared indifferent until the police intervened, “The perpetrators must be brought to justice.” Oyedokun stated.
The group criticized the government’s failure to conclude the long-awaited teacher recruitment exercise, calling the excuse of seized local government funds “irresponsible.” It noted that the delay had worsened the shortage of teachers in public schools, leaving some secondary schools with fewer than five teachers.
The group also expressed concern over rising tuition fees in Osun-owned tertiary institutions, warning that high costs could push education out of the reach of ordinary citizens. It urged the state government to regulate fees at the University of Ilesa and Osun State University to make education more affordable.
The group cautioned political actors against divisive rhetoric ahead of the next election cycle, urging them to focus on issues rather than personal attacks. It congratulated the newly appointed INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, charging him to strengthen the electoral process through wide consultation and reforms.
The group further appealed to the Federal Government to avert an impending nationwide strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), stressing that dialogue not threats remains the key to resolving industrial disputes.
Prof. Oyedokun-Alli reaffirmed the group’s commitment to democracy, peace, and accountability in Osun State, saying, “We will continue to stand for justice and the progress of our people.”
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