Akinlalu killings: Adeleke assures victim families of justice, compensation

By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has assured families of victims and people of Akinlalu town over the killing of three members of the town by operatives of Amotekun security service of justice and compensation.

The Governor made this known when he paid a condolence visit to the royal father of Akinlalu.

The Governor assured the residents of the town that those responsible for the killings will be brought to book, commending the people of Akinlalu for their patience and embracing of peaceful push for justice.

Adeleke said, “I am truly sad. I was in the United States when the unfortunate incident happened. I cut short my medical stay. I arrived late yesterday and I called my team we need to be here to emphathise with the victims."

“I can tell you the perpetrators will face full wrath of the law. There won’t be any sacred cows. Any Amotekun officer needed for interrogation by the police is to cooperate with the investigation. I have directed the Board chairman of Amotekun security service, AIG Wale Abbas Rtd. to cooperate with the investigation by the police”, the governor asserted at the palace.

Reinforcing updates from the police, the Governor said suspects in the dastardly operation are being arrested by the police even as he urged the town people to supply names of Amotekun operatives they know are involved in the incident.

“I commend the town for sustaining peace. We will compensate the families of the victims. We will also build a police station for the town as requested. Akinlalu is our town and the plan of my administration is to fast track its development. Above all, suspects will face the law”, the Governor noted.

However, the Chief of Staff to the Osun State Governor, Kazeem Akinleye, urged the families of the victims to take their solace in God. 

According to him, "I pray that God will heal you. I want to beg you accept the fate, it is not easy though but we have to accept this fate. I pray that you will not be victim of evil, joy, promotion, good health and all good things will be happening to you all in Akinlalu. You are lovers of Governor Adeleke administration. 

In his speech while welcoming the Governor to the town, the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Israel Oluwabusola Aborisade, commended the Governor for the infra projects in the town and pleaded with him to press hard to ensure the perpetrators are punished for killings of his people. 

“Excellency, we appreciate this visit. Secure justice for us. We trust your leadership. To my people, I urge us to continue to maintain peace. We are confident the suspects will not go unpunished”, the traditional rulers asserted.

Earlier, the youth leader for Akinlalu town, Musbau Adeboye started his submission with a note of appreciation for the construction of the Akinlalu township road and praised the several delegation already sent to the town when the governor was out of town.

He then read a position paper prepared by the youth of the town containing key requests such as the immediate suspension of key Amotekun officials; justice and accountability through transparent investigation; comprehensive compensation for the victims; a plea against security harassment in future; and request for police station at Akinlalu.

The Governor, accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; the Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Akinleye and members of the house of Assembly and the state executive Council commiserated with  victims and Akinlalu town.