The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Solomon Bonu has urged security agencies, especially operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, to respect traditional institutions, being the custodians of indigenous culture and traditions in Lagos.
Bonu gave the advice in view of the recent reported assault on the emissaries of Oba Oyekan Ajose, the Alapa of Apa kingdom in Badagry by personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to him, “It was reported that the Monarch, on July 8, petitioned the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Alli (rtd) over an assault by his officers”.
Bonu in a statement, emphasised that all traditional rulers across the State are very important personalities in the society for playing significant roles politically and economically in their respective domains, adding that the government would not condone any form of assault or disrespect of its traditional institution by security agencies posted to the town to maintain law and order.
“The State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu was not happy about reports alleging a recent assault on the Alapa of Apa by the Joint Border Patrol Team at Sawa checkpoint along Owode in Lagos”, Bonu said.
He, therefore, called for respect of traditional rulers in host communities across Lagos, saying traditional rulers are representatives of the gods on earth, and that is why they are referred to as ‘Igbakeji Orisa’, meaning second only to the gods.
The Special Adviser, however, appealed to the Monarch to remain calm as the government was looking into the matter, assuring that the culprits would not go unpunished.
He also appealed to the residents of Apa town to always cooperate with security agencies posted to their community to maintain law and order.
