Alara Of Ilara, Oba Ogunsanwo Speaks On Lekki Shooting, Lauds Sanwo-Olu

Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, has described the Lekki Toll-Gate shooting as a “painful and throbbing” occurrence.

The Kabiyesi expressed his unhappiness through a press statement titled, “violence against protesters & a call for unity.”

Recall that unarmed #EndSARS protesters were attacked at the toll-gate on Monday, leading to several deaths and injuries.

In his reaction, Oba Ogunsanwo said, “It is indeed saddening and troubling how a movement of peaceful protests against police brutality across the nation has triggered to become an unanticipated show of violence, chaos, killings and wanton destruction of properties in Lagos State and some parts of the country.

“It is indeed unfortunate how unarmed protesters were mercilessly shot and in cold blood by security agents who were meant to secure their lives and properties. As much as this has not only made it a sad day within the nation, it has also given the nation a devastating day to remember.”

He went further to express sympathy with families of the victims, saying that, “On behalf of the good people of Ilara Kingdom, I wish to commiserate with families of the victims who lost their lives in this despicable and inhumane act.

“We acknowledge them as our fallen heroes and pray that their souls rest in peace. If we must keep the lives of other heroes, then, we must renounce this ongoing violence and embrace peace.”

In the same vein, Alara of Ilara also called on angry youths to withdraw from the damages of properties, an act which commenced on Wednesday following the sporadic shootings.

“Amidst all of these, we must recognize that wanton destruction and collateral damage to properties will not in any way enhance growth, rather it will damage our fragile social fabric more. Hence, we must eschew violence and subject ourselves to a better Nigeria.

“I urge every Nigerian to embrace peace and dialogue at this time and have it in mind that the government is ready to meet all demands in bringing better governance to its citizens as well as bringing an end to police brutality in our country,” he added.

While speaking on the reaction of the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he lauded the leadership of the governor for his apt interventions on the #EndSARS protest.

“I must laud the leadership of The Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu for being a proactive leader and father, who briskly rose up to the occasion by taking the demands of the protesting youths to Mr President in Abuja with immediacy.

“This is a leader who recognised the demands of the protesting youths by swiftly setting up a trust fund to compensate the victims of police brutality in the State in order to ameliorate the sufferings of the families of such victims. Furthermore, he has also set up and inaugurated a Panel of Enquiry to investigate cases of Police brutality in the State,” he said.

In his conclusion, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom appealed to the youths in general to eschew violence, adding that the government is at work to fulfill a better Nigeria.

“While the government is making every effort to ease the situation in the State and putting things under control, I want to appeal to everyone out there to refrain from further violence as this will only cause us more harm and future regrets.

“I also call on our youths across the State and Country at large to know that the growth of a nation is birthed from unity and love. It is my prayer that God will help us in becoming the nation we desire. Amen.”

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