Alani Bankole, an influential figure from Egba and father of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, issued a stern warning to coronet Obas under the Egba Traditional Council in Ogun State. He implored them to cease their support for kidnappers operating within their domains.
Bankole conveyed this message on Saturday following his installation as the Apena of Egbaland at the palace of the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.
Expressing his elation at being installed as the fifth Apena of Egba, Bankole highlighted the alarming insecurity in Egbaland, particularly emphasizing the prevalent incidents of kidnapping.
He vehemently asserted that it would be perilous for any traditional ruler to allow kidnappers to operate freely within their territory.
“It’s suicidal for any Oba to allow kidnappers in their area. From now on, you have to be very careful. If I have my way and Kabiyesi allows me, any Oba who allows kidnappers to operate in his area will be arrested because you know about them.
“There is no way you cannot know about people living in your area,” he firmly emphasized.
The Apena urged the traditional rulers to collaborate with the Alake, a retired military officer, to eradicate criminals from Egbaland.
Furthermore, he called upon the youths to rise to the occasion and uphold the legacy of the Egbas in leadership positions.
“To you Egba youths, it is time to go to work. Gone were the days that we claimed that the best lawyer was from Egbaland, the President from Egbaland, the Speaker from Egbaland. What are we doing to keep such records going? So, the youths, let’s wake up and make sure we keep the flag flying,” Bankole rallied.
He pledged his unwavering loyalty and commitment to the development of Egbaland to Alake.
The dignitaries in attendance included former Ogun State governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, his predecessor, Chief Segun Osoba, Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole and the immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.
