Indigenes of Ipoti-Ekiti on Thursday decried the relocation of Nigerian Army’s 148 Battalion from the town to Ikere-Ekiti, describing it as unfortunate and unacceptable.
The indigenes made this known in a statement issued by the Chairman and General Secretary of Ipoti-Ekiti Patriotic Indigenes, Messrs Lai Oke and Adedayo Babajide respectively as well as the Publicity Secretary, Mr Gbenga Awoyomi, in Ipoti -Ekiti.
The statement said the decision to relocate the barracks was communicated via a memo, dated Jan. 13 and titled: ‘Amendment to the Establishment Order of 148 BN (AHQ DAPP/65/220/267/DTG 191800A JUN23)’.
“We Ipoti indigenes unanimously reject the decision to relocate the 148 battalion of the Nigerian Army barracks from our town to Ikere-Ekiti.
“The unjust decision has left the people of Ipoti-Ekiti feeling marginalised and betrayed by the very institution mandated to uphold fairness and justice.
“It is important to highlight that Ipoti-Ekiti was officially selected as the permanent location for the 148 battalion over a decade ago.
“The Nigerian Army acquired a large expanse of land for this purpose, compensating the original owners, while offices and residential buildings were erected, personnel posted and the barracks became operational until 2024 when military personnel were abruptly withdrawn without explanation.
“While the community eagerly awaited the resumption of full operations, the sudden announcement of relocating the barracks to another town shocked us.
“The reasons provided for this relocation are unconvincing, especially considering the proximity of an existing military barracks in Akure to Ikere-Ekiti,” it said.
The statement maintained that Ipoti-Ekiti had been repeatedly subjected to politically-unfavourable decisions that had stifled its growth and development.
“For emphasis, in 2013, a government action affected the age-long peaceful co-existence and development of the town.
“In 2022 when Ipoti-Ekiti was named the headquarters of Irede LCDA (Local Council Development Area), an attempt to relocate the headquarters to another community was thwarted only by public outcry and protests.
“What offence has Ipoti-Ekiti committed to deserve this continuous pattern of marginalisation and neglect?
“Despite our unwavering support for the government, we find ourselves systematically denied opportunities for development while enduring repeated setbacks,” it stated.
The indigenes called on those in authority to stop the growing trend of relocating public institutions and infrastructure to their towns at the expense of other communities.
“This practice breeds resentment, fuels animosity and threatens communal harmony. It must stop for the sake of fairness, unity and peaceful coexistence,” they said.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Gov. Biodun Oyebanji and the National Assembly to intervene in order to reverse the ‘unjust relocation’ of the military barracks.
The indigenes particularly urged Oyebanji to act swiftly to halt the relocation and restore the barracks to Ipoti-Ekiti.
The statement also appealed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to reconsider the relocation in the spirit of equity, fairness and national unity.
According to the indigenes, Oluyede must ensure that the decision is reversed, as a proud son of Ekiti who holds a unique position to influence the establishment of new military installations that will benefit the entire state.
“We deserve investment and infrastructure, not repeated attempts to undermine our potential. Ipoti-Ekiti stands firm in its quest for justice and we believe that good conscience, fair play and patriotic leadership will prevail,” the statement said.
In September 2013, the Federal Government had approved the establishment of a Nigerian army brigade headquarters in Aaye-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area, through a letter addressed to the then governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Consequent upon this, the community made available 50.94 hectares of land to accommodate the army formation.
The matter, however, took another dimension when the army formation was later moved to Ipoti-Ekiti, a development that led to protests by the traditional ruler of the town and the youths.
