The wife of the Alaafin-elect, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, on Wednesday, called for unity and peace among the people of Oyo Town to promote communal harmony.

Ayaba Abiwumi stated that peace is a fundamental asset in building personal growth, community development, and robust institutions.

In a statement issued by the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Bode Durojaiye, the queen stated that the monarch’s wife gave the admonition when she paid a sympathy visit to victims of a land dispute in Ilora in the Afijio Local Government Area.

She said: “Peace creates an enabling environment for human capital formation and infrastructural development. The time to build a robust, sustainable, and formidable communal unity is now, as all acts inimical to harmonious relationships must be jettisoned.
“As individuals, let us promote peace within our town and environs by encouraging good relationships. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected and complex world, embracing unity is not just a romantic aspiration but a pragmatic imperative.

“Together, united in purpose and spirit, people find the strength to confront obstacles head-on, emerging stronger and more resilient than before. In this way, unity becomes a beacon of courage, lighting the path toward greater achievements and collective triumphs.

“People can pool their resources, talents, and efforts to tackle problems that may seem insurmountable on their own. This collective strength enables them to achieve greater success and happiness together than they ever could alone.”

Ayaba Abiwumi pointed out that one of the cardinal principles of Alaafin Owoade I was recognising and celebrating shared humanity while valuing differences to unlock the full potential of collaboration and collective efforts.

The release added that cash donations of N50,000 were later presented to each of the victims on behalf of Alaafin Owoade.

It stated that land disputes between Afijio and Oyo indigenes had been a recurring decimal before the emergence of the new Alaafin, as scores had fallen victim during bloody clashes.