Monarch Calls for National Unity Against Terrorism
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has made a passionate appeal for national unity in the face of persistent terrorism that has plagued Nigeria for over a decade. The traditional ruler emphasized that terrorists do not recognize religious boundaries and called on all Nigerians to stand together against this common enemy.
Palace Meeting with Pentecostal Leader
Oba Ladoja delivered this significant message while receiving the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The meeting brought together leaders from different religious backgrounds to address the nation's security challenges.
The monarch noted that Nigeria has been battling terrorism since the twilight of former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, continuing through Muhammadu Buhari's government and into the current administration of President Bola Tinubu. Despite substantial government spending on security, the problem has persisted, causing immense suffering across the nation.
Religious Harmony in Southwest as Model
Oba Ladoja pointed to the peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in South-West Nigeria as an example that other regions should emulate. "In the South-West, Christians and Muslims live harmoniously. I often wonder why such peace is difficult in other regions," the monarch stated during the meeting.
The traditional ruler appealed to Christian leaders to continue preaching patience and unity, expressing confidence that the nation would eventually overcome its security challenges through collective effort and determination.
PFN President Advocates International Cooperation
During the same meeting, Bishop Wale Oke congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th monarch of Ibadanland and offered prayers for divine wisdom and strength throughout his reign.
Bishop Oke advised President Tinubu to consider partnering with U.S. President Donald Trump in addressing the surge of killings and extremist attacks across Nigeria, particularly in northern regions. The religious leader described the situation as a "Christian genocide," referencing several high-profile incidents including:
- Killings in Benue, Plateau, and Taraba states
- Violence in Southern Kaduna
- Owo attack
- Abductions of Leah Sharibu, Deborah Samuel, and the Chibok girls
However, Bishop Oke cautioned against any potential invasion of Nigeria by foreign forces, instead recommending strategic collaboration and intelligence sharing between the Nigerian and American governments to effectively combat terrorism.
The PFN president emphasized that no Christian groups are attacking Muslim communities, attributing the violence solely to extremist factions like Boko Haram and ISWAP. He stressed that the broader Muslim community should not be blamed for the actions of these radical elements.
This development comes as other religious groups, including the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), have also weighed in on Trump's remarks, urging diplomatic engagement and dismissing the U.S. president's comments as based on misinformation about religious persecution in Nigeria.
