Ben George
Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is expected in Ogbomoso today to carry out some activities as parts of programmes lined up to celebrate his second anniversary in office as governor.
The governor is expected to among other things commission some projects in the area including an isolation centre at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, as well as hold a town hall meeting at Ogunlola Hall, Oja’gbo that will involve an interactive session with the people.
However, the last time the governor was in town to participate in the campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in preparation for the local government election then, hoodlums believed to be his party’s supporters unleashed terror on the people especially at Oja’jagun area of the city, attacking innocent members of the public with dangerous weapons and beating to stupor a lot of people.
The worse scenario was the killing of a two-year old girl aftermath an auto accident involving one of the vehicles in the convoy of the governor which skidded off the road from rough and reckless driving to kill the toddler in her mother’s shop at Oja’jagun, with her grandma also getting wounded in the accident.
A commercial motorcyclist, who gave his name as Lekan Ajagbe, said he escaped being killed by the thugs by a whisker disclosing that he was carrying a passenger when he ran into the hoodlums, who he stressed started beating him for no reason.
The whole area was thrown into pandemonium as the armed men pursued people in different directions.
The development consequently ignited a peaceful protest by women in Oja’jagun market who demanded that justice be done on the killer of the child and the unconditional release of all the innocent people allegedly arrested by the police.
A group, Ogbomoso Community Youth Forum (OCYF), took up the matter by demanding admission of guilt by the governor and an apology, warning that failure would attract dire consequences.
Immediately, the supporters of the governor and PDP chieftains in the community, led by Chief Segun Ogunwuyi, DG, Oyo state Agency for Private and Public Partnership, paid condolence visit to the family.
Ogunwuyi reportedly expressed Engr. Makinde’s apology and announced a donation of N500, 000 to the bereaved family and a promise of employment to the mother of the deceased girl.
Meanwhile, the driver of the ill-fated vehicle has been granted bail owing to pressure from political bigwigs.
So, as the governor makes another visit today, it is hoped he will come in peace and not import violence into an hitherto peaceful community. What Ogbomoso wants from his government rather is unleashing of developmental projects in the zone amid marginalization grievances.
