In the wake of the Sunday attack on the St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State that left over 35 dead and many others injured, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has stated that Yorubaland is ready to defend themselves from invaders.
On Monday, Ooni of Ife released a statement stating that the attack was a gruesome massacre dastardly targeted at turning Yorubaland into a war zone.
The king further stated that the Yoruba indigene would not sit back and be overrun in their homes as they are ready to act.
Oba Ogunwusi noted that the attack is coming exactly a year after the invasion of the Igangan community in the Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State.
The Ooni calls on all elected officials to make true their oath of protecting and preserving human lives.
The statement partly read, “However, we the descendants of Oduduwa although peace-loving, cannot be overrun in our own homes, do not be mistaken we have the capacity and are prepared and ready to defend ourselves against all external invaders.
“We should all be reminded that yesterday made it exactly one year when an invading gang of killer herdsmen killed at least over 20 people in Igangan, Ibarapa North local government of Oyo State.
“When calamities like this befall us without a single trace, the interpretation is that the intelligence unit of our country’s security architecture is probably faulty or completely missing.
“I implore the six governors across the southwest region & their brothers nationwide as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, to live up to their oaths of securing Nigerians & ensuring safety for all citizens irrespective of their sex, religion or tribe.
“Rather than discouraging us, this will rather strengthen us and especially in our resolve to deploy manpower, resources and technology towards the protection of lives and properties.
“I’m consulting with Traditional rulers across the south-west alongside the governors across the southwest to come up with concrete plans to safeguard our people.
“We have deep obligations to them in the face of inadequate state security challenges that are threatening the fabric of our existence.
“To my brother the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, the entire Owo kingdom, to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, to the Ondo State Government, to the people of Owo, to the Priest and parishioners of St. Francis Catholic Church, Owa-luwa, Owo, to the families of all the victims, and the entire people of Ondo State, it is my prayer that Olodumare will comfort you all and give you peace in these trying time.”