The Nigerian Army’s 148 Battalion was moved from Ipoti-Ekiti to Ikere-Ekiti on Thursday, which the locals condemned as regrettable and intolerable.The Ipoti-Ekiti Patriotic Indigenes’ Chairman and General Secretary, Messrs. Lai Oke and Adedayo Babajide, respectively, along with the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Gbenga Awoyomi, made the indigenous people aware of this in a statement. According to the statement, a memo marked “Amendment to the Establishment Order of 148 BN (AHQ DAPP/65/220/267/DTG 191800A JUN23)” dated January 13 conveyed the decision to move the barracks.

The proposal to move the Nigerian Army barracks’ 148 battalion from our town to Ikere-Ekiti is universally rejected by us Ipoti natives. The residents of Ipoti-Ekiti feel disenfranchised and deceived by the same organization tasked with maintaining justice and fairness as a result of the unfair ruling. It should be noted that more than ten years ago, Ipoti-Ekiti was formally chosen as the 148 battalion’s permanent home.

In exchange for payment to the original owners, the Nigerian Army purchased a sizable tract of land for this use. Offices and residential structures were constructed, personnel were stationed, and the barracks were put into use until 2024, when military personnel were abruptly and mysteriously removed. We were astonished to learn that the barracks would be moving to a different town, even though the community was eagerly awaiting the return to full operations. Given the close proximity of an existing military barracks in Akure near Ikere-Ekiti, the justifications offered for this transfer are not compelling.

The statement noted that Ipoti-Ekiti had been repeatedly subjected to politically-unfavourable decisions that had stifled its growth and development. It stated, “For emphasis, in 2013, a government action affected the age-long peaceful co-existence and development of the town. In 2022 when Ipoti-Ekiti was named the headquarters of Irede LCDA (Local Council Development Area), an attempt to relocate the headquarters to another community was thwarted only by public outcry and protests. What offence has Ipoti-Ekiti committed to deserve this continuous pattern of marginalisation and neglect? Despite our unwavering support for the government, we find ourselves systematically denied opportunities for development while enduring repeated setbacks.’’

The indigenous people urged those in charge to halt the expanding practice of moving infrastructure and public institutions to their towns at the expense of neighboring communities. This behavior disrupts social harmony, sows discontent, and increases hostility. For the sake of justice, harmony, and peaceful coexistence, it must end,” it continued. They urged the National Assembly, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, and President Bola Tinubu to step in and stop the “unjust removal” of the military barracks. In particular, the indigenous people requested Mr. Oyebanji to take immediate action to stop the removal and return the barracks to Ipoti-Ekiti.

The statement also appealed to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to reconsider the relocation in the spirit of equity, fairness and national unity.

According to the indigenes, Mr Oluyede must ensure that the decision is reversed, as a proud son of Ekiti who holds a unique position to influence the establishment of new military installations that will benefit the entire state.

“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,” the statement said.

Recall that in September 2013, the Federal Government approved the establishment of an army brigade headquarters in Aaye-Ekiti, Ido/Osi Local Government Area, through a letter addressed to the then governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

Consequent upon this, the community made available 50.94 hectares of land to accommodate the army formation.

The matter, however, took another dimension when the army formation was later moved to Ipoti-Ekiti, a development that led to protests by the traditional ruler of the town and the youth.