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Following continued #EndSARS protests across the country, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has urged protesters to allow the President Muhammadu Buhari to effect the reforms as promised in the wake of the nationwide protests.
The monarch, in a statement made available to journalists by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, noted that the subsequent disbandment of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) has given victory to the protesting youths.
Citing the clash between the pro and anti-SARS protesters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital on Thursday, the monarch said the reform of the Nigeria Police Force would no longer be far-fetched as the President had expressed commitment to the demands of the protesters.
Warning against the danger of possible hijack of the protests by criminal elements, Oba Akanbi said: “The President, I know, is fair. The protesters have spoken and their voice have been heard. The protesters have won. Already, the unit is banned and robust reform is expected to be in phases.
“Your agitation is not limited to SARS but frustration occasioned by hardship. The hardship is not unconnected with the destruction of past years that chased many, including me, out of the country.
“The President is with the protesters; he has already banned SARS to the advantage of the masses and more robust reforms will undoubtedly be in favour of the masses.
“As one who believes in the course of the masses, I will personally take your request to the President. I belong to the masses. Let us endeavour to give the government an avenue to pronounce a new Police Act.”