OJOGBARIAKA OF ILADO KINGDOM HAILS GOVERNOR AIYEDATIWA’S DEVELOPMENT STRIDES, SEEKS STRONGER SECURITY MEASURES AGAINST RISING BANDITRY
The Ojogbariaka of Ilado Community in Ward 4, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajomole Johnson Kayode, JP, has reaffirmed his unwavering support for democracy in Nigeria, describing it as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The revered monarch also commended the developmental efforts of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, particularly in the area of road infrastructure and community development.
Oba Ajomole made these remarks while speaking with Democrat News Magazine in his office in Akure on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. According to the traditional ruler, the ongoing rehabilitation of the Akure–Ajagbausi road has brought significant relief and renewed hope to residents of Ilado and neighboring communities. He noted that the approximately six-kilometre road project has reached about 70 percent completion, with over five kilometres already in excellent condition.
The monarch stated that the road project has ushered in a new wave of development in the area, attracting investors, developers, and prospective homeowners to the community. He emphasized that Ilado is not a remote settlement as often perceived, but rather an extension of the prestigious Alagbaka Estate in Akure. According to him, the improved road network has enhanced accessibility and increased the economic prospects of the community.
While appreciating the government for its developmental interventions, Oba Ajomole expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the area, particularly the activities of bandits and kidnappers. He lamented that the community, which had previously enjoyed peace and tranquility, is now facing security challenges that were once alien to the people. He disclosed that only a few days ago, suspected bandits kidnapped two residents and reportedly killed another person, creating fear and anxiety among community members.
The royal father praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for personally visiting the community to sympathize with residents following earlier incidents of kidnapping, describing the gesture as a true demonstration of compassionate and responsive leadership. According to him, the Governor’s physical presence during the difficult period, rather than merely sending representatives or messages, spoke volumes about his commitment to the welfare and security of the people.
Oba Ajomole further noted that communities such as Imafon, Ilado, Ilu-Abo, and Igushin have continued to experience security threats, calling on security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, and local hunters to intensify their operations. He also appealed to the state government to expedite plans to train ten selected individuals from each community on grassroots security and intelligence gathering, stressing that community-based security initiatives would greatly assist in tackling criminal activities.
The monarch equally advocated for the establishment of state policing across Nigeria and called on governments at all levels to invest in modern security equipment such as drones and surveillance gadgets to combat insecurity effectively. He also commended the establishment of the Golf Course at Ilado, describing it as a strategic investment capable of boosting tourism and economic growth in the area. However, he lamented the absence of banks and industries within the community, urging prominent sons and daughters of Ilado at home and in the diaspora to establish industries and businesses that would create employment opportunities and accelerate socio-economic development in the kingdom.