The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged Nigerian youths to shun political violence, thuggery and election rigging as the country approaches another general election.

Ladoja, who spoke through the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola, gave the admonition during a courtesy visit by students of the Leadership Centre, University of Abuja, to his palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

The monarch urged youths, especially students, not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence or manipulate elections, stressing the need for them to protect their future and play meaningful roles in nation-building.

He said youths should reject political thuggery and other electoral malpractices so they could fulfil their potential as future leaders of the country.

The Olubadan also encouraged the visiting students to use their stay in Ibadan to learn about the history and heritage of the ancient city.

He urged them to visit notable tourist and historical sites, including the University of Ibadan, Cocoa House and Bowers Tower.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Professor Abdulhamid Ozoltu Suleiman, said the students visited the palace to receive the monarch’s royal blessings and interact on issues of leadership and nation building.

Suleiman said the visit would also enable the students to deepen their knowledge of Ibadanland, which he described as the former capital of the Western Region and a major centre of political and developmental activities in the region.

The visit was attended by Senior Chief Adewuyi Odunade, Chief Olufemi Ogunwale Olibota, the Aare Ago Olubadan of Ibadanland, and other dignitaries.