The Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has invoked curses on cultists and their sponsors following a surge in cult-related violence in the community. The attacks, which claimed multiple lives, included those of Fisayo Oladipo, an APC chieftain, and the wife and child of Muslim cleric Alhaji Abdulkareem Adedokun. Traditional rites were performed at Ogwata Square, with ancient deities called upon to both bless the kingdom and punish the perpetrators.
Stakeholders have blamed politicians for enabling the cultists, often exploiting youths for political gains and abandoning them afterward. During the Owo Youths Forum, Police Area Commander Adenike Peter criticized the interference of influential individuals in law enforcement efforts, urging parents to monitor their children and report criminal behavior.
Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami, stressed that joblessness among the youth fuels such violence and called on the public to share information with security agencies to restore peace. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Falohun, Adelami warned that the ongoing killings risk tarnishing Owo’s reputation.
The forum's coordinator, Comrade Damilare Aina, emphasized the need for collective action to address youth idleness and restore harmony to the community. Meanwhile, Oba Ogunoye’s bold move to place a curse reflects the urgency of curbing the growing menace.
