•••gives 48 hrs to tender apology
In response to a recent National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) report, the Igbeti Toro community has formally rejected the false allegations contained in the report, which accused traditional monarchs of Igbeti of involvement in anti-smuggling activities and raised concerns about threats to a former official.
The community has instead focused on the more immediate and pressing issue posed by Ponle Omidiji, whose violent actions have raised serious concerns within the Igbeti community.
The Igbeti Toro expressed deep dissatisfaction with NANS’s misleading narrative, calling for a swift investigation into Omidiji’s conduct, which they claim poses a direct threat to the peace and security of the community.
••A Threat to Igbeti’s Peace and Stability
One of the most concerning elements of the NANS report was its focus on Ponle Omidiji, whom the Igbeti Toro community claims has been openly instilling fear and violence. Community leaders also alleged that Omidiji has admitted to being a cultist and has publicly declared this on several occasions.
The community pointed out that Omidiji’s violent actions have escalated, particularly during a football competition in Igbeti, where he allegedly threatened individuals with a firearm.
The community stressed that such behaviour not only undermines public safety but also poses a direct risk to young people, who should be able to participate in recreational activities without fear of violence.
For over a decade, Omidiji’s violent activity and records have been with the Department of State Service (DSS) and other security outfits on several occasions for causing community unrest and mayhem.
••Omidiji Storms Onigbeti Palace with Firearms, Escapes After Security Intervention
On Friday, October 24, 2025, at about 7:30 PM, Ponle Omidiji and his associates reportedly stormed the Onigbeti Palace with ammunition, threatening the palace staff and residents. Fortunately, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun corps, and the DSS, intervened in time, but Omidiji and his gang had fled before the enforcement agencies arrived.
These actions made some concerned peace-loving youths to report Omidiji at his parents’ house following his earlier crude action at the palace. Ponle Omidiji is now crying foul. Someone who is causing communal unrest is now claiming to be threatened – He is now crying wolves where there are none!
The community leaders condemned Omidiji’s disregard for the law, warning that such behaviour could destabilise Igbeti’s long-held peace. They reiterated that violence and intimidation must never be tolerated, especially in a town that has worked tirelessly to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
••Ponle Omidiji’s Boasts of Political Connections
The Igbeti Toro community also accused Omidiji of boasting about his connections with political bigwigs and law enforcement circles in the state.
He has also allegedly claimed to have connections within the Nigeria Police Force and NANS, making him feel untouchable and emboldening him to continue his violent and unlawful actions without fear of reprisal.
Addressing the Allegations in the NANS Report
While the NANS report focuses on smuggling activities and alleged threats to a former official, the Igbeti Toro community insists that the more pressing issue is the violent conduct of individuals like Ponle Omidiji. Community leaders pointed out that while combating smuggling is essential, ensuring the safety of residents and preserving peace must be the immediate priority.
We respect the role of the traditional institution in addressing smuggling, but we cannot allow the safety of our people to be compromised by individuals who openly promote violence and lawlessness.
On the issue of smuggling, the Igbeti monarch and the community at large frowned on it, and the Igbeti axis is known to be peppered with numerous customs checkpoints, up to 20, so there is watertight security against smuggling.
••Ponle and his NANS undertakers’ insinuations are nothing but dangerous and wishful thinking coming from wrapped minds.
According to the Igbeti Toro, Ponle Omidiji fled the Igbeti community immediately after causing unrest, a behaviour they claim is habitual. The community further emphasised that Kabiyesi, the Onigbeti of Igbetiland, has been instrumental in resolving disputes and maintaining peace among families and within the wider community.
Since the ascension to the throne of the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Kabiyesi has settled many cases within the community. His watchword is PEACE, nothing but peace. How on earth should Kabiyesi be criminally alleged by one of his sons?”
The Igbeti Toro condemned any attempts to drag the respected Onigbeti stool into such allegations, calling it an insult to the traditional institution that has long represented peace and stability.
Urgent Action Needed
The Igbeti Toro have called for an immediate investigation into the activities of Ponle Omidiji and any individuals who support or enable his behaviour. They stressed that the authorities must act quickly to **curb Omidiji’s violent actions and prevent further threats to community peace.
We implore the government to send down any investigative agencies to Igbeti and investigate who Ponle Omidiji is.
We urge the community to stand together and reject any form of violence or intimidation that threatens the safety of our citizens.
The Igbeti Toro also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, ensuring the safety of their homes and families.
••A Call for NANS to Apologise
In light of the false allegations raised by NANS, the Igbeti Toro have given NANS 48 hours to tender an unreserved apology to the Onigbeti monarch and the entire Igbeti community. They urged the student body to focus on the real challenges facing the nation and stop being used for political purposes by individuals like Omidiji.
NANS should avoid meddling in affairs that do not concern it. If at all they must do so, they ought to have conducted proper investigations.
The Igbeti Toro leaders called for unity within the community, emphasising that peace and stability must remain the priority.
Let us come together as a community to safeguard the peace and stability that we hold dear.
In conclusion, Igbeti Ti ntoro koni daru, Alaafia ilu Igbeti lo je gbogbo wa logun. We all pray for the peace of Igbeti community.
Signed:
Alh. Jimoh Olajide
Chairman Igbeti Toro National Body.