Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, the Ataoja of Osogbo has called on security operatives to apprehend drug users in his domain and ensure that any caught should be prosecuted on line with the provisions of the law.
The monarch took this position during a visit by members of The Drug Free Project to his palace on Wednesday. He also advised youths in the state to abstain from drug abuse.
Ataoja said, “I am appealing to the people of Osogbo and Osun State in general to stay away from hard drug abuse. And those who are already taking it should desist. Hard drugs have no advantage; it can only cause damage to our well-being.
“I am sending a message to the law enforcement agencies. Anybody caught using hard drugs should be arrested, and I am saying it here that I will not plead for anyone.
“Go to various communities within Osogbo and arrest those youths using drugs. Once you arrest them, take them to the correctional facility.”
“I am also using this avenue to call on parents to take good care of their children. They are the future, and we must guide against anything that will jeopardise that bright future. Our children should stay away from hard drugs,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Ifeoluwayimika Bamidele, the Chief Impact Officer of The Drug Free Project has earlier explained that the intention of the group is to deal with the scourge of drug abuse and also rehabilitate its victims.
He said, “We are here to ask for Ataoja’s endorsement. We are going round the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, campaigning against drug abuse and asking for support for rehabilitation and recovery for young people who are currently challenged with the scourge of drug abuse.
“We are letting people know that drug abuse can change life and affect the future of our young population. We have had school projects for the last ten years, but we launched the drug-free project this year, and we have been to Ladoke Akintola University, Soun of Ogbomoso’s palace, Abuja, and Minna.
“For those who are currently using drugs, I want to advise them to go for rehabilitation and recovery. They should ask for help. I want to urge the state government to assist in this aspect. And for those who have not been using drugs, I am begging them not to go near it.”
