By Olokuta Rofiat
The National President of the Soludero Hunters Association, Dr. Nureni Akintola, has urged South-West governors and traditional rulers to empower hunters and collaborate with Yoruba nation activist Sunday Igboho in efforts to rid the region’s forests of bandits.
Speaking in Ibadan, Akintola said hunters possess detailed knowledge of the forests across Oyo, Ondo, and Kwara states, where armed groups are believed to be hiding.
He maintained that harnessing this expertise would greatly strengthen ongoing security operations.
“We, the hunters, know where the bandits hibernate. All we need is approval from our kings and governors. Bandits must not be allowed to turn our forests into their safe haven,” he said.
Akintola cautioned monarchs against supremacy battles, warning that disunity weakens regional security.
He congratulated the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, urging him to prioritise support for hunters, while also appealing to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, to unite in defending Yorubaland.
He further called on the federal government and Yoruba monarchs to reconsider restrictions on Igboho, citing his past role in resisting criminal incursions.
According to him, strengthening community-based security will not only protect lives and property but also boost investor confidence and economic growth across the South-West.
