Date: 2017-04-24

There was disquiet in Ilorin, yesterday over the emergence of a signpost dissociating Moro local government from Ilorin Emirate.

The picture of the signpost sighted by this medium with the inscription "Welcome to Shao, Ilee Awon Omo Odua, no emirate here, no emirate in Moro local government please, Shao awon-ga omo onibu eja was reportedly erected at Shao boundary, after the bridge ahead of Sobi barracks.

Until now, some members of both communities had engaged themselves in war of words over the agitation of secession by a group of "Concerned Moro Elders from the emirate claiming allegiance to Odua.

But the Kwara State Government said the security agents are up to the situation adding that they will do their job if it portends security threat.

Speaking with National Pilot yesterday, the Magaji Nda of Ilorin, Alhaji Soliu Woru Mohammed said the signpost is inciting and capable of disturbing the peace and harmonious relationship existing in Ilorin adding that government should investigate the matter to get to its root.

"There is nothing like Odua kingdom or dynasty in Ilorin Emirate. What we have here is emirate and the signpost is very inciting. Any attempt to try to cede the land of the Emir of Ilorin and the people of Kwara will be very catastrophic. This is an aberration to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"I call on the government to set up a committee to investigate the issue and firstly remove the inciting and insulting signpost. Such action is capable of breaching the peace and security of the state which is known as the state of harmony. How can you say any part of the emirate belong to the Odua and have the audacity and temerity to erect a post to that effect. This is a looming crisis and should be brought under control swiftly and timely", Magaji Nda added.

While speaking with National Pilot last night, one of the Moro Concerned Elders who has remained a frontrunner in the cessation agitation, Chief Wole Oke dissociated his group from the said signpost but he however said he has knowledge of those behind it.

According to him, I don't know about it (the erection of the signpost). But I know those that are involved. We are fighting a joint cause involving many groups and individuals.

Every group takes whatever action it feels can add value to the process. We are Yoruba and we belong to Odua, Emirate is alien to us," he added. When asked to avail the contact of those involved for reaction, Oke said "No I can't, I am sorry".

Reacting to the issue, the state government through the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Media and Communications, Dr Muideen Akorede said, "I am sure the security agents are up to it and they will do their job if it portends security threats."

However, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Amusa Bello last night claimed he is not aware of any such matter. In a similar vein, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ajayi Okansanmi said he was not aware of such development.