Cultism: Osun speaker demands probe into viral audio on Ilesa killings

 

Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Osun State House of Assembly Speaker

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, has asked the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olawale Olokode, to investigate an audio recording where his name was mentioned as one of those shielding cultists involved in killings in Ilesa town.

The two minutes 16 seconds voice note obtained by our correspondent had circulated widely on social media.

In the audio, a male, suspected to be a police officer, said Owoeye used his influence to free a suspected cultist named Lucifer.

Lucifer was said to be the third in command of the Eye confraternity in Osun State.

But Owoeye in a petition to the state Police Commissioner held that the unknown police officer defamed him through his claim.

Owoeye in a statement by his media aide, Kunle Alabi, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, further stated that the said audio has become a source of concern for his family, loved ones and political associates, saying he has worked and lived in Ilesa all his life contributing his quota to the development of the town.

Quoting the petition, the statement partly read, “I am a proud Ijesa man who loves my community and its inhabitants so dearly, I have made so many efforts both overtly and covertly ever since the cult clashes began to make sure Ilesa is a peaceful abode for all and sundry.

“Noteworthy is my commitment and support to the Nigeria Police Committee on Cultism ( POCACOV) during their outreaches to Ijesa land.

“May I at this point urge you to urgently investigate the audio which is capable of lowering people’s confidence in me. it is also important considering the fact that your name was mentioned and that of our revered monarch.”