Community Leaders In Ibadan Ask Organizers To Drop Protest Proposal

Traditional rulers in Ibadanland, Mogajis, 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 rethink their decision.

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 organisers of the protest to reconsider their plans and explore alternative means of expressing their grievances.

They noted the country was already facing numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, warning the protest could only exacerbate the situation.

The statement emphasised that the Mogajis are not against peaceful protests but stressed that such must be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the peace and stability of Ibadanland, Oyo state and the country.

“We want to urge 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,” they said.

The traditional Institution 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 grievances of the protesters through dialogue and engagement, rather than resorting to force.

The Institution also urged security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that the such planned protest does not degenerate into chaos.

The statement reiterated the Mogajis and others were 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.