The Ibadan Traditional Rulers, Mogaji’s in Ibadanland, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Baales, market men and women in Ibadanland, and local security volunteers have appealed to organisers of planned nationwide protest to rescinded their decision, saying Ibadan reject any form of violence protest.
They described the planned protest as “ill-conceived” and “capable of causing chaos and destruction across the country, most especially if turned violence.
A statement jointly signed by President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and the Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade urged organizers of the protest to reconsider their plans and explore alternative means of expressing their grievances.
They noted that the country is already facing numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, and that the protest would only exacerbate the situation.
The statement emphasized that the Mogajis are not against peaceful protests, but stressed that such protests must be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the peace and stability of Ibadanland, Oyo state and the country.
“We want to urged all the youths, agitators and others to recindle their decision, the last experience of endSARS protest is still there, many lives were lost, properties destroyed, Police station were burnt and many were injured, so, Ibadanland reject any form of protest.”
The traditional Institution, VVIPs, ICPI, etc also expressed concern about the potential for the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants, leading to violence and destruction.
They appealed to the government to address the grievances of the protesters through dialogue and engagement, rather than resorting to force.
The Institution also urged the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the such planned protest does not degenerate into chaos.
The statement reiterated that the Mogajis and others are committed to the peace and stability of Ibadanland and Nigeria as a whole, and would do everything possible to prevent the planned protest from causing harm.
They also urged government at all levels to do more so as to meet with yarnings and expectations of Nigerians.
The Mogajis and other Leaders condemnation of the planned protest has been widely welcomed by residents of Ibadan, who expressed relief that the traditional leaders are taking a stand against the potentially disruptive action.
