The Council of Chiefs and Baales in Ugboland has issued urgent appeals to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the State Director of the Department of State Services, and other security agencies, seeking intervention over the worsening insecurity and violence in their community.
The traditional leaders specifically called for an investigation into the murder of Bababo Lowo and the brutal attack on Chief Adebowale Ebiwanno, the Baale of Ugboland, who was injured during a recent invasion by armed gangsters.
Following a meeting held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, to discuss the crisis, the chiefs revealed that many residents had fled to neighboring communities for safety.
A communiqué, signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Council of Baales, Chief Ibukunola Owowa and Chief Idowu Agbejoye, was made available to SaharaReporters on Friday. The statement alleged that specific individuals were behind the violent attacks.
The named suspects include Henry Ogunfeyimi, Ododoyuge Egbagbemi, Aruwayo Joseph, Ogunsemore Michai, Ibikunle Yomi, Leke Ogunfeyimi, Ofoesuwa Tunde, Woye Gentle, Ajimuda Stephen, Ikuomola Daisi, Adesuyi Adeyemi, and others who remain at large.
The communiqué detailed the events of Thursday, February 13, 2025, when gangsters allegedly murdered Bababo Lowo and attempted to kill Chief Adebowale Ebiwanno. Several others suffered severe injuries from attacks involving guns, cutlasses, knives, and charms.
“We are providing photographic and video evidence along with eyewitness testimonies to support our claims,” the chiefs stated.
After thorough investigations, they expressed a unanimous condemnation of the violence, describing the crimes—including murder, destruction of property, kidnapping, and physical assault—as unacceptable.
They also emphasized that under the traditions of Ugboland, the Baale is the rightful leader of the community. They condemned any attempt by a group, no matter its influence, to challenge this authority through violent means.
Following their deliberations, the Council of Chiefs and Baales put forward the following demands:
- The Ondo State government must investigate these violent acts, arrest the perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure justice is served.
- Security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services, should intervene immediately to protect innocent residents.
- The state government should apprehend the leaders of the group responsible for the murder of Bababo Lowo and the attack on the Baale of Ugbonla.
- Peace and stability in Ugboland and Ilaje communities must not be disrupted by lawless individuals who disregard human life.
The communiqué further warned that the Council of Chiefs and Baales would not allow any part of Ugboland to become a site for senseless killings.
“This is a plea to the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Security, and all relevant agencies to intervene and protect our community,” the chiefs declared.
They also raised concerns about restricted movement on land and waterways due to fear of further attacks and urged the government to take swift action in bringing those responsible to justice.
