Nigeria Content Online

The
political face-off between the executive and the legislative arm of
Ogun State yesterday took another dimension, as some alleged loyalists
of the governor stormed the Assembly complex to deposit fetish pots in
the premises, owing to the refusal of the lawmakers to support the
controversial N100 billion bond bid of the state government.
The protesters,
allegedly led by the Secretary of the Abeokuta South Local Government,
Nurudeen Olaleye, arrived the complex with several fetish pots and
placards, declaring curses on the lawmakers over their opposition to
the state governor, Gbenga Daniel.
Some of the
inscriptions on the placards read: ‘No bond no peace’, ‘G-15 lawmakers,
let peace reign’ and ‘Dimeji Bankole, you are a disgrace to Ogun State’
among others. The protesters, who forced their way into the premises,
immediately started moving round the premises to deposit the pots in
various locations.
Similarly, the
protesters were also seen smashing eggs all over the premises, a
development which appeared to frighten the staff of the Assembly. Even
the security operatives, including policemen, attached to the Assembly
premises, were helpless as the fetish pots, containing rituals
ingredients, were being deposited round the complex.
Yoruba traditional
religionists believe that the use of such pots could bring either good
luck to those who prepare them or harm to those they are directed
against.
Postponed resumption
Apparently, having
received information about the fetish move of the protesters, the
lawmakers, who were expected to resume work yesterday after their
recess, did not resume sitting. They sent out a public notice that the
Assembly has suspended resumption until further notice.
The notice, signed
by the Clerk of the House, Demola Badejo, reads: ‘In accordance with
the House rule 5 {1-3}, the Speaker has suspended the resumption of the
plenary till further notice. The Speaker regrets any inconveniences
this will cause, but assured that plenary will be convened as soon as
the atmosphere in the House is conducive.’
Meanwhile, many
residents of the state who spoke with NEXT said they were fed up with
the present administration, stressing that the peace associated with
the state has been shattered by the actions of the political players in
the state.
Recently, some
members of the Assembly and the state executive exchanged accusations
of ritual oath taking. The photograph of one of the lawmakers, Wale
Alausa, was widely distributed, showing the naked man holding a fetish
object. He said he was forced to swear allegiance to Mr Daniel. He is
now a member of the group opposed to the state governor in the State
Assembly.