Gov. Abiodun Laments Ritual Surge In Ogun State, Says He Doesn’t Understand How ‘We Go Here

Governor Dapo Abiodun has reacted to the current series of homicides and other crimes in Ogun State.

Abiodun voiced concern about the decline in moral ethics and visible mindlessness that accompanies the get-rich syndrome in society, particularly among the youth, and promised that steps would be put in place to halt the issue.

The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during the inauguration of Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba Adebajo, the new Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, after a 28-year gap.

Abiodun described himself as traumatized and shocked by the fact that teenagers are involved in ritual killing and dismemberment of fellow humans.

He said “I am always traumatized beyond words when I hear of our youth’s involvement in the spate of killings and dismembering of human beings for ritual purposes. I am particularly scandalized these young ones – teenagers – are being fingered as perpetrators of these dastardly acts.”

“I wonder when this malady became the norm!” the governor said, expressing concern that Ogun State, which had been recognized over the years for being in the vanguard of what he remembered as the “Omoluabi” culture, is now in the news for negative reasons.

To put a stop to the dreadful situation, he enlisted the support of traditional authorities, teachers, and parents.

He added, “Let me use this opportunity to solicit the support of our traditional rulers, parents, teachers, heads of various institutions of learning, community leaders, religious leaders and indeed all of us, to always preach and act as a good moral compass and mentors to our children and youths.

“Money should not be the sole determinant of success. Integrity should count more. But, let me also warn that we shall deal decisively with anyone involved in any heinous crime in accordance with the relevant laws. There is no compromise on this. Ogun State is known over the years for being at the vanguard of ‘Omoluabi’ ethos. I wonder when this malady l became the norm!”

While vowing to constructively associate youths, Abiodun urged elders, parents, and guardians to instill the correct mindset in their children, stating, “We all owe it a duty to stop this scourge by whatever legal means possible.”

He pledged to “fight this menace with everything at our disposal,” stating that “We will not be identified by this notoriety.”

He said, “Our culture frowns at this and we must bring propriety back into the psyche of the children who we will leave the future behind for.”

“For us, we have emplaced security measures in schools and all the villages, hamlets, and towns to ensure zero-tolerance for ritualists. We will trail them, apprehend them, investigate them and make them serve as examples for those harboring such sinister routes to wealth acquisition.”