Akure Group deplores kidnap of Falae
The Akure Division Renewal Group has deplored the abduction of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Olu of Ilu-Abo, Akure, Ondo State, Chief Olu Falae, stating that the kidnap was a gross violation of the desire of leading Nigerian nationalists for the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic groups in the country.
The Group made this known in a release issued by its President and Vice President respectively, Professors Abiodun Fayose and Olu Aderounmu, after a visit to Falae’s home.
According to the Group, it was inconceivable that a man of Falae’s political and nationalism pedigree should be the one to be held captive by kidnappers identified to be Fulani herdsmen.
“Chief Falae has played dominant roles as a political icon who served the country selflessly as Secretary to the Government of the Federation and as presidential aspirant. He has friends and political associates from across the country and has been known to be a nationalist of the first order. It is thus inconceivable that such a man of such astute pedigree should be the one that herdsmen would find worthy of their evil kidnapping intention,” the Group said.
The Group also said that Falae, who is also the traditional head of Ilu-Abo, presides over a village that is known to be a refuge for virtually all tribes of Nigerians where they have been living and eking their daily living for several decades.
“Ilu-Abo is known to be a refuge for all tribes in Nigeria. What that means in essence is that Chief Falae is head of virtual all tribes in Nigeria. It is in Ilu-Abo where they find their daily bread. We are thus shocked that a nationalist like Falae could fall prey to the antics of some evil men who did not respect his nationalism and political pedigree,” the Group said.
The Group said that the continued hostage of Chief Falae portends danger for Nigeria and the peaceful coexistence of all ethnic nationalities in the country.
While calling on the Inspector General of Police and all the security agencies to expedite the search for the Akure chief, the Group said that his continued hostage also portends danger for Yorubaland as the people it called ‘vermin’ had invaded the land to ‘desecrate’ it by violating the peace of its elder statesmen.
