COVID-19: Relaxation Of Lockdown Order Is Misguided, Not Well Thought Out, Says Oba Ogunlaja

A Paramount Ruler and First-Class Oba from Lagos State, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja, the Aladeshonyin II, of Noforija, has expressed great concern over the relaxation of the lockdown order by the Federal Government.

According to him, all over the world, the fierce battle against the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has seen many world powers and developing countries put in place a pragmatic and strategic approach in place.

The monarch worries are the compliance of the citizens on the use of face masks, maintaining social distancing, washing of hands regularly, and adhering to other precautionary measures to contain this pandemic virus.

Eko Hot Blog Correspondent reports that the federal government had earlier announce the relaxation of the lockdown order to take effect on Monday, May 4th, 2020.

The role of traditional institutions in nation-building capacities can not be overemphasized due to the fact that it is as old as man.

It is no news that the total lockdown of states has been the most sought after preventive strategy to contain the ruthless and deadly coronavirus disease.

It is against this backdrop that the paramount ruler speaks to our Correspondent on the decision of Federal and State Governments to gradually relax the “Stay at Home Order” despite the daily rise in coronavirus cases all over Nigeria.

In his response, he gave kudos to the Federal Government for prompt action to contain the spread.

The monarch also appreciated the FG for carrying out various social intervention programs to cushion the effect of the lockdown on the poor masses via conditional cash transfers and stimulus packages.

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“The federal government is doing all in her capacity to curb and contain the spread of coronavirus and it is commendable.

“It is also a smart move to order the lockdown in line with provisions of the constitution, “he said.

Aladeshonyin also expressed grave concerns over the gradual relaxation of the lockdown across Nigeria.

“With the way things are going now, there’s going to be a serious problem with this lockdown which will be relaxed on Monday. We have to warn our people seriously.

“If I were to be in a position of the Federal and State Governments, the lockdown would not be relaxed due to the fact that the cases recorded have not subsided but soaring high, ” the monarch said.

Ogunlaja said that the curfew put in place by the government to curb night travel is the right move in the right direction.

“My plan is that the local vigilantes would partner with the police to make the curfew effective. This is a government directive that affects everybody”

“Inter-state borders should be blocked and strictly monitored by security agents starting from 8 pm. Anyone found travelling during that period must be turned back, “the king said.

The monarch, however, expressed his suspicions over the lack of synergy among state governments in the Yoruba land.

He cited a situation whereby travellers gets free passage down to Mojoda-Epe without being grounded from Ibadan and suggested that security personnel should be on tip of their job.

“We community leaders in Epe axis are going to insist on turning night travellers back to there abode and nothing would happen.

“In order to be on a safer side, we need to meet and prepare ourselves to decide whether it is Benin-Ore Expressway or Epe-Ijebu-Ode Expressway that would be our boundary of turning the violators back to there base, ” he said.

The Oba noted that the initiative of the Federal Government was reasonable but it is more of life-threatening than life-saving to the nation.

He also stated that based on the daily feedback he gets from Local Vigilantes in his domain, it is observed that various kinds of transport activities take place at night since Eredo-Epe shares a boundary with Ogun State.

“The local vigilantes could do little or nothing to stop those travelling at night. Now that the Federal government has opted for the dusk to dawn curfew.

“It would be a simple task to carry out. Inter-state communities also have big roles to play to help achieve successful compliance, ” he said.

The monarch said that a report came to him about a truckload with cattles and baskets of tomatoes and pepper accompanied by over a hundred men of Northern extraction.

“Are we saying the over one hundred men found on the truck will offload the items being transported?

“After offloading the items, will they travel back with the truck?” he asked.

The Paramount Ruler further showered encomiums on the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his relentless efforts towards the people’s welfare.

He stated that the Governor’s stimulus packages for the vulnerable are highly commendable.

He glorified God for giving Lagos State such a proactive and foresighted Governor who is rallying round all stakeholders to contain the spread of the virus.

“What I have seen being given out to the vulnerable in terms of the stimulus package is mind-blowing”.

“We thank God for giving us such a brave COVID-19 Incident Commander like him.

The Oba expressed satisfaction in the performance of the Governor and I pray God will continue to strengthen him.

Aladeshonyin advised government at all levels to take the battle against the spread of COVID-19 seriously.

“Government can also employ the services of NGOs to monitor activities of security agencies to avoid sabotaging government efforts.

“In Epe here, we are working together with all stakeholders to put in place measures that are capable of nipping the index case recorded in the bud.

“I have suggested to the state government to call for meeting with the Obas, vigilantes, and Police to make sure they give free passage to people on essential service.

“And turn back every other person right from T-Junction and other entry and exit points in Epe, “he said.

By Idris Tele-Olukoya

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