Monarch Appeals for National Cohesion in Face of Terror
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has made a passionate appeal for Nigerians to unite in the fight against terrorism and extremism, emphasizing that the nation must collectively end this prolonged scourge. The traditional ruler stressed that healing the divisions caused by years of insecurity is crucial for national progress.
Palace Meeting with Christian Leader
Oba Ladoja delivered this significant message at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, over the weekend while hosting the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke. The monarch reflected on Nigeria's painful journey with terrorism, which began during the twilight of former President Goodluck Jonathan's administration in 2014 and has persisted for over a decade.
The security crisis has resulted in massive loss of lives, destruction of property worth inestimable amounts, and widespread displacement of families, particularly affecting women and children. The Olubadan noted that kidnappings have become rampant across the nation, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Terrorists Recognize No Religious Boundaries
Oba Ladoja highlighted a crucial point often overlooked in public discourse: "Terrorists do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians; they see everyone as prey". He revealed that successive administrations from Jonathan to Buhari, and now President Bola Tinubu, have spent trillions of naira in efforts to combat insecurity, yet the challenge persists.
The monarch specifically appealed to Bishop Oke, as leader of the PFN, to continue encouraging Christians to remain steadfast and peaceful despite the prevailing challenges. "We appeal to you to help us placate our Christian brethren, who are understandably aggrieved. These difficult times will pass," the traditional ruler added with optimism.
South-West Example and Foreign Interference Warning
Oba Ladoja pointed to the South-West region's history of peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths as an example that other regions should emulate. He emphasized the importance of tolerance and mutual respect in building a harmonious society.
While acknowledging global concern about Nigeria's security situation, the monarch issued a strong caution against any foreign interference in the nation's internal security matters. He stressed that external involvement should only occur through collaboration and mutual respect, not through unilateral actions or imposed solutions.
Religious Bodies Respond to International Comments
In a related development, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has demanded that United States President Donald Trump withdraw his recent comment describing Nigeria as a "disgraced country". The Council warned that such language could inflame tensions and undermine national stability.
This position was announced following an Expanded General Purpose Committee (EGPC) meeting chaired by the NSCIA President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, held on Sunday at the National Mosque in Abuja.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, expressed alarm that some "Islamophobic and unpatriotic Nigerians" had misled foreign governments with claims suggesting Nigeria was experiencing a genocide against Christians.
Prof. Oloyede emphasized that Nigeria's insecurity affects citizens across religious and ethnic lines, noting that both Muslims and Christians continue to be victims of terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and criminality driven by multiple factors including climate stress, failed governance, and the proliferation of arms.
Earlier during the palace visit, Bishop Wale Oke had congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, praying for divine wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to guide him in fulfilling his duties to both God and humanity.
