Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has warned those behind the recent communal crisis in Kwara State between the Yoruba and Barotse people at Chikanda in Baruten Local Government Area of the state to desist from acts that are capable of setting the state ablaze.
It will be recalled that the crisis in the affected area has led to the loss of lives and wanton destruction of property.
The Yoruba generalissimo gave the warning on Tuesday in his reaction, contained in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kehinde Aderemi, saying that the crisis that claimed the lives of scores of people was uncalled for, even as he insisted that the crisis was very unfortunate.
Iba Adams said there was a need for all to embrace unity in Yorubaland, pointing out that no effort would be spared to ensure peace in Kwara State ablaze, as, according to him, no section of the country would be allowed to set Kwara State ablaze.
This was just as he further warned that the crisis, if not well-managed, could spread to other parts of the state, a development, he said, would be too dangerous for the peaceful coexistence of the people of the state.
“There is a need for us to embrace unity in Yorubaland. We will not allow any section of the country to set Kwara state ablaze.
“The crisis, if not well managed, could spread to other parts of the state, and that will be too dangerous for the peaceful coexistence of the people of the state,” Adams warned.
The Yoruba generalissimo, however, called on the Kwara State government to look into the root causes of the crisis to address its root causes “before it degenerates into further crises.”
He said Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasaq should intervene in this manner by calling those involved in the crisis to order by bringing about peace and tranquility in the local government and the state in general, pointing out that the safety of the people in the affected communities was very important.
“I am appealing to the Kwara State government to look into the causes of the crisis. That is why it is very important for us to address the root causes of the crisis and work out the best approach to settle the crisis before it degenerates into further crises.
“Governor Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasaq should intervene in the ensuing crisis. Those involved should be called to order.
“The safety of the people in the affected communities is very important; that is the best way to promote peace and tranquility in the local government and the state in general,” Iba Adams stated.