In an exclusive interview with His Royal Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, he bears his mind on the proposed cattle colony by the Federal Government and some other trending issues in Nigeria. Here is the excerpt as packaged by CEOAFRICA reporter, Oke Osahon.
Can we meet you sir?
My name is Senator Lekan Balogun
Your Royal Majesty, the current security challenges bedeviling the nation are highly alarming especially the activities of the Fulani herdsmen, what do you think the Federal Government can do to curtail or control the security situation in Nigeria?
It appears that the government is trying to support the insecurity of the state by giving in to Cattle colony which is an insecurity arrangement. Why don't they have cocoa colony? Why don't they have plantain colony? Why don't they have goat colony? It's crazy. A section of the country alone takes care of cows, why would you extend that to the country's property and take care of people’s land to provide colony for cattle? It doesn't make sense at all.
Sir, the Minister of Defence and his agriculture counterpart have come out to say that the recent clash between the Fulani’s and farmers especially in Benue State is as a result of inadequate land for grazing, what is your take on this reason given by both ministers?
Inadequate land for grazing? Those who want to join the business should acquire their own quantum of cows. But government must not get involved with making laws to protect cattle rearing. If they are not protecting me as a cocoa farmer, if they are not protecting me as a plantain farmer or as a goat rearer, why would they acquire land for herdsmen rearing cattle? It doesn't make sense. It's taking the economy away from the private enterprise which is what we are running in Nigeria. They can't even run the capitalist system well. The government should be accountable for every life lost in the process.
As a traditional ruler and a major stakeholder in Oyo State, what steps are the traditional rulers taking to ensure that Fulani clash with farmers do not occur in the state?
Well we are trying to educate and advice our people to resist it. We are trying to tell them that the land belongs to them. It's like saying let Nigerians own the cattle because we want to procure land for them every part of the country. Then you should do likewise to goat rearer, cocoa farmers and more. It doesn't just make sense. So, those whose privacy is being invaded should resist them and call the Police. How would they feel if I as a plantain farmer from Oyo state were to invade their territory and I say there is a law to back me up invading their property? It doesn't make sense. Everybody should resist this kind of law. The herdsmen should stop encouraging it.
Just some days ago, a group of Yoruba leaders gathered in Lagos where a decision was reached to reject the proposed cattle colony in South West zone, do you think this decision is a welcome idea?
Of course! It is their duty as leaders of the South West zone to resist the invasion of our privacy. This law Is an invasion of privacy and our leaders are expected to reject such law in order to enhance peaceful co-existence among the people.
A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo wrote an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari advising him not to recontest in 2019, do you think President Muhammadu Buhari should heed to the advice of the former President who used to be a staunch supporter?
Well they are brothers, friends, they were in the army together. He should listen to his friend, brother as well as a colleague in the army. Obasanjo was even his senior in the army. He should listen to him. It's a private matter strictly between the both of them. I don't want to say much on that.
In that same letter, the former President made it clear that Nigeria needs a coalition to rescue her from years of misrule by PDP and APC, do you think coalition is what we need at this stage or you still believe in APC or PDP taking this country to the next level?
Well, I am no longer a partisan politician. Nevertheless, I think its time to decide on what type of leadership we want, regardless of the party. I believe that is what Obasanjo is suggesting indirectly. Our leaders should put their heads together, they should abandon partisanship and decide on peaceful, united federalism for Nigeria. We are a federalist state.
Your Majesty, recently a State High Court nullified the review of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, what do you think this judgement really amounts to talking about the interest of the state now?
Firstly, the governor has appealed against the judgment. The Judge was talking about 1970 law whereas there has been another law since 2017 that supersedes that of 1970. Since there is an appeal against it, Status quo still continues. It's like a worthless judgement really. That is my opinion.
What will be your message to the people of Oyo State and also Nigerians regards the 2019 elections?
Well, I suggest we use our head. We should think carefully. We should be less concerned about partisan politics. We should be more interested in major candidatures.
PACKAGED BY OKE OSAHON.
