Nationwide Protest: Yoruba Obas Forum appeals to Nigerians to embrace dialogue
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
As many Nigerians and groups have been voicing their concern over the protest march which the Federal Government and its agencies insist could lead to violence, the entire Yoruba Traditional Rulers under the aegis of the Yoruba Obas Forum (YOF) have also implored Nigerians to shun the planned nationwide protests scheduled to hold between August 1-14, 2024.
According to the Yoruba Obas Forum in a press statement issued and made available to newsmen on Tuesday by the National President of the Forum, the Molokun of Atijere, Oba Samuel Olusola Adeoye, JP, the Deputy National President and the Elerinmo of Erinmo Oba (Dr) Michael Odunayo Ajayi and the Public Relations Officer and Alayandelu of Odo Alayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe, they called for constructive engagement and dialogue over any action that could unsettled the Nation.
As traditional rulers, “we too understand and aware of the frustration and challenges faced by many Nigerians, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively and with dialogue
“Protest has never been a solution for nations to solve their challenges, but rather an avenue for destruction of human lives and properties.
“We Yoruba Obas Forum acknowledged the role of protests in a democracy and that’s why we are warning against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes as certain groups are looking to use this protest to invite violence and crime. Please, don’t let non-state actors disrupt already existing peace and stability of our land, please be cautioned.
“While protesting is your democratic right, but please consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress as dialogue, round table conference and collaboration are far more effective solutions and antidote”.
“We Yoruba Obas again, implore all our youths not to follow the part of anarchy, or destruction, we too are also aware that there is hunger, insecurity and unemployment in the land, but the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will definitely plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity. As your fathers, we earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our dear nation”
The Yoruba Obas warned that since Nigeria cannot afford another unrest considering the current state of the nation, the government relatively young and working tirelessly to improve tur lives of the common man in a manner that will be enduring.
“We traditional rulers in the Yoruba land were deeply worried that a mass protest at this critical time will not do our dear Country any good, rather, but can lead to further national disorder.
“Let us all accept dialogue with the Federal Government rather than destabilizing the country with protests as we are admonishing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other political office holders to urgently address the core issues of hunger and the deep disconnect that exists between ordinary Nigerians and the ruling class”.
