PRESS RELEASE

Ipoti Indigenes Reject the Relocation of 148 Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks from Ipoti-Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti

We, the Patriotic Indigenes of Ipoti-Ekiti, hereby categorically reject the decision to relocate the 148 Battalion Nigerian Army Barracks from its officially designated site in Ipoti-Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti. This action, as communicated via the memo titled "Amendment to the Establishment Order of 148 BN (AHQ DAPP/G5/220/267/DTG 191800A JUN23)", dated January 13, 2025, is viewed as a gross act of nepotism intended to favor the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, a native of Ikere-Ekiti.

This unjust decision has left the people of Ipoti-Ekiti feeling marginalized and betrayed by the very institutions 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 an expansive tract of land for this purpose, compensating the original owners. Offices and residential buildings were erected, personnel were posted and the barracks became operational until last year, when military personnel were abruptly withdrawn without explanation.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.

We must emphasize that Ipoti-Ekiti has been repeatedly subjected to politically unfavorable decisions that have stifled its growth and development. In 2013, a government action affected age long peaceful coexitence and development of the town. In 2022, when Ipoti-Ekiti was named the headquarters of Irede LCDA, an attempt to relocate the headquarters to another community was thwarted only by public outcry and protests.

We ask: What offense has Ipoti-Ekiti committed to deserve this continuous pattern of marginalization and neglect?Despite our unwavering support for the government, we find ourselves systematically denied opportunities for development while enduring repeated setbacks.

We call upon those in authority to abandon the growing trend of relocating public institutions and infrastructure to their hometowns 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.

Through this medium, we appeal directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, and the National Assembly to intervene decisively to reverse this unjust relocation. We passionately urge His Excellency, Governor Oyebanji, to act swiftly to halt this relocation and restore the barracks to Ipoti-Ekiti. Such action will correct a grave injustice and demonstrate that no community is too small to matter in the broader vision of national development.

We also appeal to the Chief of Army Staff  (COAS) to reconsider this relocation in the spirit of equity, fairness and national unity. As a proud son of Ekiti, he holds a unique position to influence the establishment of new military installations that will benefit the entire state rather than sow division.

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.

Thank you.

Signed:

Dr. (Hon.) Lai Oke, Chairman        

Mr. Adedapo Babajide, General Secretary     

Barrister Gbenga Awoyomi, Director of Publicity