Yoruba Group Blows Hot, Accuses Kwara Monarchs of Aiding Terrorists, Demands Cattle Market Closure

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has accused the traditional ruler of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Ismail Atoloye Alebiosu, of allegedly aiding terrorists by refusing to shut down the Kara cattle market in Ijase-Ipo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group also accused the monarch of Babanla, Oba Aliyu Yusuf Arojojoye, of failing to cooperate with security agencies in efforts to flush out suspected terrorists allegedly using his domain as a safe haven for kidnapping operations across parts of the South-West. The statement, signed by the Convener of the group, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, described the actions of the monarchs as a betrayal of the collective decision of indigenous Yoruba communities in Kwara South, many of which have reportedly been deserted due to persistent attacks and abductions. According to the group, the Kara market in Ijase-Ipo has become a strategic cover for criminal elements orchestrating kidnappings and violent attacks in the region. The statement read, “If truly Oba Ismail loves his people, he would have heeded their cries and obeyed the collective decision to shut down the Kara market in order to identify and flush out those using it as a base for banditry. “We are calling on Oba Ismail to immediately align with the Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government to close down the market, except if the monarch himself is benefiting from the activities of Fulani terrorists who are kidnapping our people, or because they have not yet attacked his own community.” The group further alleged that the monarch father's, also referred to as “Baba Ọba,” has vowed that the market would remain open due to the economic benefits derived from it. “We have been reliably informed that Baba Ọba is insisting the market will not be closed because of the benefits they derive from it. This is unacceptable while our people continue to live in fear,” the group stated. The organisation called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene by deploying a federal task force to Kwara South and ordering the immediate closure of the market. Highlighting the severity of insecurity in the region, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá claimed that over 200 people are currently being held captive by terrorists suspected to be of Fulani origin, including a traditional ruler identified as the monarch of Olayinka, eight worshippers from Omugo, and a school proprietor from Isin Local Government Area. The group also alleged that two vigilantes were recently killed during attacks by the suspected terrorists. “Yet, despite these tragedies, Oba Ismail has failed to listen to the cries of Kwara South people. After whatever benefits he is receiving from these elements, he appears to have forgotten that Ajase-Ipo belongs to the Yoruba people, not Fulani terrorists,” they added. Raising further concerns, the group questioned the monarch’s reluctance to shut down the Kara market. “If Oba Ismail has not compromised or betrayed the Yoruba people, why is he afraid of closing down the Kara market for the safety of lives and property? People are beginning to question whether the monarch is truly concerned about the worsening security situation in Kwara South,” it said. Turning to Babanla, the group accused Oba Aliyu Yusuf Arojojoye of shielding criminal elements and frustrating security operations. “We have credible intelligence from security operatives that Fulani terrorists who kidnap victims from Ondo, Edo, and Ogun states transport them to Babanla, where ransom payments are negotiated and collected,” the group alleged. The group further claimed that a leader of the suspected terrorist network had instructed his members not to abduct residents of Babanla, allegedly due to an understanding with the monarch. “One of the terrorist leaders reportedly warned his men not to kidnap anyone from Babanla, assuring them that the monarch had guaranteed their safety as long as they operate peacefully within the area,” the group stated. It also cited a recent incident where some residents of Babanla were abducted but later released without ransom after the monarch allegedly intervened. “We were informed that when the monarch contacted the ringleader and condemned the abduction of Babanla residents, the victims were released without payment. This raises serious questions,” the group added. The statement further referenced a controversial incident last year involving the Department of State Services (DSS), which reportedly detained the wife of Oba Aliyu Yusuf Arojojoye, alongside his personal assistant, over alleged links to banditry. According to the group, the monarch’s wife was accused of operating a Point of Sale (POS) system allegedly used to process ransom payments, while the personal assistant was said to have handled suspicious financial transactions linked to criminal networks. The duo were reportedly detained at the DSS headquarters in Abuja, though the outcome of the investigation remains unclear. The Yoruba Union expressed disappointment in the Kwara State Government, accusing Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to act decisively on intelligence reports regarding insecurity in the region. “Since Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has failed to take decisive action despite credible intelligence, we are calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take urgent and drastic measures before the entire South-West is overrun by Fulani terrorists,” the group warned. The organisation called on all security agencies, including the DSS, to immediately investigate the allegations and take necessary action to restore safety in Kwara South. “We urge all relevant security agencies, especially the DSS, to act now. The lives of our people are at stake, and silence or inaction at this point would be catastrophic,” they added.