Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, issued a statement on February 16, 2026, calling for immediate security measures in Kwara State. Gunmen suspected as bandits dropped a threatening letter at the Ira market, targeting Ira, Inaja, and Aho communities in Oyun Local Government Area. The letter vowed an attack anytime soon and aimed to instill panic.
Threatening Letter Sparks Concern
Residents reported the letter, which claimed a false identity to intimidate locals. This incident followed a recent massacre where attackers killed over 100 people in Kaima Local Government Area. Authorities noted that such threats often led to violence, displacing families and disrupting daily life.
Alaafin’s Condemnation
Oba Akeem Owoade condemned the threats strongly. He stated, “Such acts do not merely menace a few communities; they constitute a direct affront to the authority of the Nigerian state and a grave assault on the fundamental rights of citizens to live, farm, trade, worship, and raise their children in peace, without coercion, without extortion, and without fear.”
He highlighted Ira’s cultural importance as the ancestral home of Oya, wife of Sango.
Moreover Oba Akeem Owoade stressed that no criminal group had the right to dictate citizens’ lives. He added, “We must not normalise a situation where law-abiding people live at the mercy of faceless criminals.”
Calls for Coordinated Action
Oba Akeem Owoade urged the Federal Government to intensify intelligence gathering and preventive strategies. He said, “The present situation calls for a sustained and well coordinated security presence, backed by rapid response mechanisms, to reassure residents that protection is not occasional but consistent, not symbolic but effective.”
Additionally, he advocated strengthened inter agency cooperation and community engagement. He explained, “Our communities hold local knowledge; the state holds lawful authority and capacity. The effective fusion of both can prevent incidents before they occur.”
Solidarity and Warning
Oba Akeem Owoade declared solidarity with the affected communities. He remained in communication with leaders like Iba Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, for support.
In conclusion, he warned terrorists, stating, “Steer clear of Ira, steer clear of Inaja, steer clear of Aho, and steer clear of every lawful community across our land. You will not rule by threat.” Residents cooperated with security agencies while remaining vigilant.
