Get Guardian on GoogleThe Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to all parties involved in the crisis in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State to embrace peace and avoid actions capable of escalating the situation.
The monarch, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, described the peaceful coexistence of the various ethnic groups in Ibadan as a shared responsibility that must be preserved.
Oba Ladoja urged residents, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or cultural backgrounds, to continue to see one another as members of the same family.
“Regardless of where we come from, we should continue to see ourselves as brothers and sisters,” the monarch said.
While acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in human relationships, the Olubadan cautioned against allowing such differences to degenerate into violence, particularly in view of the prevailing security challenges facing the country.
He noted that Ibadan has, over the years, remained home to people from different parts of Nigeria, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or ideological affiliations, urging residents to sustain the city’s tradition of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The traditional ruler also called on those involved in the crisis to sheathe their swords and allow peace to prevail in the interest of the community and the state.
Oba Ladoja lauded security agencies, particularly the police, for their swift intervention in containing the disturbance and preventing a further breakdown of law and order.
The police have since confirmed that the situation has been brought under control, while security operatives continue to monitor the area to prevent any resurgence of violence.
