The Nigerian Army has been asked to rescind its decision on the relocation of its 148 battalion from Ipoti-Ekiti.
Ipoti Ekiti Patriotic Indigene, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, stated that if not reversed, the decision would have adverse effects on the economic growth of the community.
It was alleged that the Military Authorities had communicated their decision to the community in a memorandum titled “Modification to the Establishment Order of 148 BN (AHQ DAPP/65/220/267/DTG 191800A JUN23)”, dated January 13, 2025 .
The decision is contained in a statement jointly signed by Dr. Lai Oke, Mr. Adedayo Babajide and Barrister Gbenga Awoyomi, stating that the news has left the people of Ipoti-Ekiti feeling marginalized.
The statement said: “It is important to note that Ipoti-Ekiti was officially selected as the permanent location for the 148 Battalion more than a decade ago.
“The Nigerian Army acquired a large tract of land for this purpose, compensating the original owners. Offices and residential buildings were built, staff assigned, and barracks began operating until last year, when military personnel were abruptly withdrawn without explanation.
“While the community was anxiously awaiting the resumption of full operations, the sudden announcement of the transfer of the barracks to another city surprised us. The reasons given for this relocation are not convincing, 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. To emphasize, in 2013, a government action affected the long-standing peaceful coexistence and development of the city. In 2022, when Ipoti-Ekiti was named the headquarters of Irede LCDA, an attempt to move the headquarters to another community was only thwarted by public outrage and protests.
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“We ask: What crime has Ipoti-Ekiti committed to deserve this continued pattern of marginalization and neglect? Despite our unwavering support for the government, we find ourselves systematically denied development opportunities while suffering repeated setbacks.
“We call on authorities to abandon the growing trend of relocating public institutions and infrastructure to their places of origin at the expense of other communities.
“This practice breeds resentment, fuels animosity and threatens community harmony. It must be stopped for the sake of justice, unity and peaceful coexistence.
“We directly appeal 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 quickly to stop this transfer and restore the barracks in Ipoti-Ekiti. Such action will correct a grave injustice and demonstrate that no community is too small to matter in the larger vision of national development.
We also appeal to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to reconsider this relocation in a spirit of equity, justice and national unity. “As a proud son of Ekiti, he is uniquely positioned to influence the establishment of new military installations that will benefit the entire state rather than sow division.”