By Bode Durojaiye
Palpable tension had enveloped Kosobo , a popular area in the ancient town of Oyo, following the discovery of an abandoned landed property which had grown into a thick bush and suspected to be a criminals’ hideout.
It will be recalled that few years ago, a ritualists’ den was discovered at Soka area of Ibadan where scores of people had been killed and several others agonizing for help.
The abandoned 30 acres of landed property in Oyo was said to have been donated several years ago to the late business mogul, Chief Oloyede Asamu who was also an Oyo born quintessential philanthropist, by the Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi.
Findings revealed that part of the donated land was used by the late mogul to construct a secondary school known as the Abiodun Atiba Grammar School, with a vision to use the remaining part of the land for future development.
But the late Asamu did not live to actualise his desire, as death took him away.
Since the demise of the late philanthropist, the remaining large expanse of the landed property was abandoned by the school, to the extent that it had since grown to be a thick bush, replica of a forest.
This abandoned property has become a security threat to residents who live in tredipation, as heinous acts such as rape, burglary and robbery were said to have been perpetrated by men of the underworld.
However, worried about the criminal ondlaught being unleashed by these dare daredevil criminals, residents of Kosobo, impeccable sources informed, wrote an SOS (Save Our Souls) letter to the school, the State Teaching Service Commission ( TESCOM, Oyo Zone), and the Alaafin.
Neither TESCOM nor the school responded to the SOS letter written by the affected community.
It was Oyo Adeyemi who thought it expedient to save his people and the ancient town from the terror acts of the social miscreants who have turned the thick bush into abode of horror.
In his swift reaction to the SOS letter from Kosobo community, the monarch ordered for the acquisition of two bulldozer vehicles that would clear the thick bush.
Consequently, by 9 am on Thursday, two bulldozer vehicles arrived at the thick bush and started the clearing work.
This development triggered happiness and respite, as joy knew no bound among thousands of residents in the ancient town, especially the affected community, Kosobo.
When Oba Adeyemi paid an inspection visit to the location of the abode of horror, there were praises and commendations galore to the monarch as elated residents expressed their grattitude to God for given them a visionary and caring ruler like the Alaafin.
It was gathered that clearing of the thick bush will last about five days to be completed.
In an interview, some residents who live within the vicinity of the dreaded thick bush, who did not want their names mentioned, explained that ” We are residents and shop owners. Whenever our shops were burgled, these criminals will run into the bush with the stolen items. They are armed youths.
“On several occasions, we reported the burglary and other criminal acts being perpetrated almost on daily basis to authorities concerned, but their responses had been that it is difficult for them to pursue the criminals inside the thick bush.”.
They went further. “after all efforts at nipping in the bud criminal onslaughts being unleashed by these men of the underworld failed, we thought it necessary to write to all those concerned, including our revered monarch, Iku Baba Yeye, to save our souls from these criminals. We are indeed grateful when we saw bulldozers moved into the thick bush on the orders of Kabiyesi to clear it. What amazes us is that the SOS letter was sent to Kabiyesi within a: short period of time and Iku Baba Yeye responded swiftl. We are indeed grateful and long shall our monarch reign.”
