Osun Community Policing List: Politics And Security – Modakeke In Perspective (A Personal Account) -By John Oyebanji

Just three day ago, the Special Adviser to Gov. Oyetola on Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Ismaeel Kareem Oladimeji on one of the major community platform, sang praises of his principal on a supposed selection of “5 Modakeke Youths” for a training (unknown to me, at that time).

I (without any foreknowledge of the issue) asked him, on the process that led to the selection of the “5 Modakeke Youths”, and their identities. He couldn’t give answer except for his P.A doing the job of diverting attention away from the raised concern.

John Oyebanji

Today, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force protested against the illegal tampering of a community policing list, by some political elements within the community. I was privileged to hear the full account of what transpired, and how the Hon. Ismaeel’s appraisal was a backlash on the community. In the account, a community policing scheme was put in place by the Federal Government, and each local government were instructed to produce sixteen members, to which eight was given to Modakeke, in equal distribution with the two Police Divisions in the Ife East Local Government.

These 8 members with communal security background were drawn from all divides of the community. They underwent all necessary procedures.

Just few days ago, the 8-man list was discovered to have been tampered with, thereby replaced with 5 people with no security but political backgrounds, and sent for training in Ibadan, to the utmost disappointment of Ogunsua-in-council, other community leaders and the voluntary security men that had worked tirelessly without pay in time past.

The question is WHO TAMPERED WITH THE LIST?

Logically, if one says the Special Adviser on Innovation, Science and Technology did, it won’t be a gainsay.

He praised the reduction of eight-member list, and the supposed training some Modakeke Youths are currently undergoing. This is tantamount to the truth that he’s fully aware of the people and the training.

I have no doubt that time shall tell. Time is a revealer of the truth.

Why should “we” always be “our” enemy? For political recognition or any other gain? It’s purely selfishness at its peak.

Now that the Joint Security Outfits are purposing to embark on a “sit-at-home” action, WILL THE FIVE-MAN TAKE UP THOSE RESPONSIBILITIES?

When shall wisdom dwell in our abode?

John Oyebanji is a Social Commentator, Public Affairs Analyst, and an Educator. He writes from Modakeke, Osun State. He can be contacted via oyebanjijohn00@gmail.com