Ibadan traditional rulers, CCII, vigilante groups, others warn against violent protest

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The Ibadan Traditional Rulers, Mogaji’s in Ibadanland, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Baales, market men and women in Ibadanland, and local security volunteers have distanced themselves from the nationwide protest scheduled to commence on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

They appealed to organisers of planned nationwide protests to rekindle their decision, saying Ibadan rejected any form of violent protest.

The groups in a joint statement signed by the President of Ibadan Mogajis, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori and the Coordinator, Ibadan Compound Peace Initiative (ICPI), Mogaji Nurudeen Akinade, described the proposed protest as ill-conceived and capable of causing chaos and destruction across the country especially if turned violence.

They, thereby, urged the organizers of the protest to reconsider their plans and explore alternative means of expressing their grievances.

They noted that the country is already facing numerous challenges, including insecurity and economic hardship, and that the protest would only exacerbate the situation.

The statement emphasised that the Mogajis are not against peaceful protests, but stressed that such protests must be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt the peace and stability of Ibadanland, Oyo state and the country.

“We want to urge all the youths, agitators and others to rekindle their decision, the last experience of EndSARS protest is still there, many lives were lost, properties destroyed, Police station was burnt and many were injured, so, Ibadanland rejected any form of protest.”

The traditional Institutions, VVIPs, ICPI, among others, also expressed concern about the potential for the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants, leading to violence and destruction.

They appealed to the government to address the grievances of the protesters through dialogue and engagement, rather than resorting to force.

The institution also urged the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure that such planned protests do not degenerate into chaos.

The statement reiterated that the Mogajis and others are committed to the peace and stability of Ibadanland and Nigeria as a whole, and would do everything possible to prevent the planned protest from causing harm.

They also urged the government at all levels to do more so as to meet with yearnings and expectations of Nigerians.

The Mogajis and other leaders condemnation of the planned protest has been widely welcomed by residents of Ibadan, who expressed relief that the traditional leaders are taking a stand against the potentially disruptive action.

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