OPINION: Ending the Cycle of Violence in Sagamu

Sagamu,Ilu Awọn Sanmori ati Gbajumọ, why become the land of Bloodstream? I write today with a heavy heart and deep concern for the state of affairs in my beloved Sagamu. Recent events in our town have left us all shocked and grieving. The violence that erupted in Sagamu has claimed some innocent lives too, and the perpetrators continue to terrorize our community.

It is a stark departure from the Sagamu we grew up in, a place where harmony and unity thrived. I am a proud son of Sagamu, and I vividly remember the Sagamu of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. We had a close-knit community where neighbors looked out for each other, and the spirit of brotherhood prevailed.

Today, we are faced with a perplexing question: What went wrong? Why are our young boys killing each other and even targeting non-members of any cult group? It is disheartening that, as we await the tribunal judgment and the possibility of a runoff election, our people now live in fear.

The security situation has deteriorated to the point where our town resembles a ghost town, patrolled by numerous security agencies. The fear that hangs over Sagamu is palpable, and it threatens the very essence of our democracy.

I implore you, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and your government not to engage in subtle politics or point fingers at any particular individual or political party. The recent statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) that most youths in Sagamu are cultists should serve as a wake-up call. We must address this issue collectively, without partisan bias.

Sagamu Town, Ogun State. Photo credit: Twitter

My suggestion is simple. If any political leader in Sagamu is confident that they have never been involved in cultism in any way, let them publicly swear an Oath of Ayelela, accepting the fate of death within seven days if they are lying. I am certain that 95% of them would hesitate.

This should emphasize the seriousness of the situation. Our leaders in Sagamu must heed the call to action, as the FPRO has indicated. The blood of the innocent cries out for justice, and we must respond. We used to believe in the mystical powers that protected our town, but where are they now?

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Where are the witches, wizards, Babalawos, Agma, Oro, Oshugbo, Luku, Paak, hunters, and the Irunmales? The time has come for our elders and leaders to step forward and take decisive action. Recent events involving the arrest of Hon Damilare Bello Mohammed have raised questions about the impartiality of our justice system.

It is crucial that we do not allow these incidents to be perceived as a clampdown on opposition political party members. We must uphold justice and fairness above all else. I firmly believe that there is a price to pay for freedom, and Hon. Bello’s situation reflects this. We cannot silence all voices, and we must remember that the end of every man’s journey is death, regardless of their wealth or status. Sagamu deserves better.

Let us unite as a community to end this menace that threatens our peace and harmony. We must come together to rebuild our town and restore its lost glory. I echo the words of the late Haruna Ishola, “Sanmori ni won bi e ri won ni Sagamu.” It is time for Sagamu to rise once again.

Hon. Oke Oluwarotimi wrote from Sagamu.