Daniel Agbolade, Ibadan

A human rights group, Veteran Organization for Human Rights Initiative (VOHRI), has petitioned Oyo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shina Olukolu, over alleged threat to life and removal of the President of Association of Nigerian Barbers (ANB), Oyo state chapter, Mr. Mufutau Akinbami, from office. 

The group also said it was unlawful for two former presidents of the association, Messers Lucky Possible and Biodun Lawal, to threaten the life of Akinbami and remove him from office illegally. 

VOHRI in the petition entitled, "A passionate plea for redress to Oyo State Commissioner of Police on case of intimidation, serious threat to life, illegal seizure and illegal sacking of the elected President of Oyo State Association of Nigerian Barbers (ANB) by Possible and Lawal, and signed by its Lead Activist, Mr. Ayobami Sakirullahi and General Secretary, Mr. Abimbola Adekunle, called on the CP to intervene in the case before it snowballs into full-blown crisis resulting in breach of peace and loss of lives. 

They alleged that Possible, Lawal, Luqman Adebayo, Sahid Suraju, Nuremi Suraju, Iyalode and others were hell-bent on unleashing terror on Akinbami today, 20th June, 2019, when they intend to install new executives for the association. 

The duo in the petition, copies of which were sent to Governor Seyi Makinde of the state, Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Director, Department of State Security, Area Commander, Agodi, DPO Agugu Division, urged concerned authorities to intervene in the matter and forestall any attempt by the aforementioned members to forcefully instal another President. 

The petition read, "Consequent upon illegal removal of Mr. Mufutau Akinbami from office as Oyo State President of Association of Nigerian Barbers, contrary to section 34, 35 & 36 of the 1999 constitution  of the Federal  Republic of Nigeria  2010, as  amended and a negation of the Association of Nigerian Barbers’ constitution Article 15 (1), we therefore call on you Sir, Oyo State Commissioner of Police to intervene in this case before it snowballs into full-blown crisis resulting in breach of peace and loss of lives. 

"Mr. Possible, Biodun Lawal, Luqman Adebayo, Sahid Suraju, Nuremi Suraju, Iyalode and others are hell-bent on unleashing terror on Mr Mufutau Akinbami on Thursday 20th June, 2019when they intend to install the new Kangaroo executives into office. 

"VOHRI demands nothing but justice. Injustice to one, is injustice to all. We therefore demand nothing but justice. We count on your usual assistance and quick intervention in this regard. To the end, VOHRI is obliged to intervene in this ease of illegal sacking and serious threat to life meted on Akinbami, Oyo State President of the Association of Nigerian Barbers. 

"Akinbami was sworn in as President of the association on the 9th November, 2017 and was issued with a certificate of recognition and signed by Lawal, former President of the association. Executives of the association swung into action and things went on without crisis what-so-ever. 

"When all efforts to instigate members of the association against him proved abortive, they then called an emergency general meeting of all executive members 13th June 2019 where he, Possible single handedly proclaimed the removal from office of Akinbami, without regard to Article 15(1) of the association constitution which states that the President with the support of 2/3  majority committee by voting shall remove any zonal chairman if there is any, misconduct/mischief, fraud/stealing."

Akinbami while speaking on his ordeal, alleged that Possible, Lawal and others have concluded plans to install another President for the association Thursday. 

The embattled President who said the case of alleged threat to his life has been reported at Ogbere Police Station in Ibadan, called on concerned authorities to intervene so as to prevent breakdown of law and order in the state. 

Efforts made to get the reaction of the duo of Possible and Lawal, and others involved  proved to be abortive as several calls put through to their lines were not answered.