Indigenes of Ipoti-Ekiti have expressed their discontent over the relocation of the Nigerian Army’s 148 Battalion from their town to Ikere-Ekiti.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Lai Oke (Chairman), Adedayo Babajide (General Secretary), and Gbenga Awoyomi (Publicity Secretary) of the Ipoti-Ekiti Patriotic Indigenes, the community described the decision as unfair and unacceptable.
The statement reveals that the move was communicated through a memo dated January 13, titled “Amendment to the Establishment Order of 148 BN (AHQ DAPP/65/220/267/DTG 191800A JUN23).”
The indigenes expressed their unanimous rejection of the decision, which they claim has left them feeling marginalized and betrayed by the institution meant to uphold justice and fairness.
The community reminded the authorities that Ipoti-Ekiti had been chosen as the permanent location for the 148 Battalion over a decade ago, with the Nigerian Army acquiring a large plot of land and constructing buildings for the barracks.
The barracks had become operational until 2024, when military personnel were unexpectedly withdrawn.
The announcement of the relocation has shocked the people, who find the reasons for the move unconvincing, especially with an existing military barracks in Akure, which is close to Ikere-Ekiti.
The statement also highlights that Ipoti-Ekiti has long faced politically-motivated decisions that hinder its development. In 2013, a government action disrupted the peaceful co-existence of the town.
In 2022, when Ipoti-Ekiti was named the headquarters of Irede LCDA, an attempt to relocate the headquarters was only prevented by public protests.
The indigenes have called on the government to halt the relocation of public institutions from Ipoti-Ekiti and urged President Bola Tinubu, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and the National Assembly to intervene.
They also appealed to Governor Oyebanji to act swiftly to reverse the relocation and restore the barracks to their community.
Furthermore, they urged Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff and a son of Ekiti, to reconsider the relocation in the spirit of fairness and national unity, emphasizing that Ipoti-Ekiti deserves investment and infrastructure rather than repeated attempts to undermine its potential.
The indigenes remain firm in their pursuit of justice, expressing confidence that good conscience and patriotic leadership will prevail.
