The Onisabe of Igbobi-Sabe Kingdom and its environs, HRM Oba Owolabi Adeyemi Adeniyi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intensify efforts in addressing the growing insecurity and hunger affecting various parts of Nigeria, even as he commended the President for achievements recorded in his first two years in office.
Speaking at his palace in Jibowu, Fadeyi, Lagos, during a media briefing on the State of the Nation, Oba Adeniyi praised the President for honouring the heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle with posthumous awards during this year’s Democracy Day celebration. He described the gesture as a “welcome development” and a step in preserving Nigeria’s democratic legacy.
“The beauty of democracy is for every Nigerian to have a say and play an active role in the process of sustaining our democratic practice and rebuilding the lost glory of our nation,” the monarch noted.
However, Oba Adeniyi expressed concern over ongoing violence in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Borno states. He warned that the continuous attacks have instilled fear among farmers, significantly worsening the food crisis in the country.
“I want to appeal to Mr. President to accord more priority to insecurity in most parts of the country. The killings have contributed to food shortage and deepened the hunger in the land,” he said.
Turning his attention to local issues, Oba Adeniyi urged Lagos residents to conduct themselves peacefully ahead of the July 12 local government elections. He emphasized the importance of participating in the democratic process and urged those eligible to vote to do so without fear or violence.
He also called on the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to ensure transparency, fairness, and justice throughout the electoral process, warning that anything short of this could threaten peaceful coexistence in the state.
On the recent power tussle among some traditional rulers in the South West, the monarch expressed disappointment over the public nature of the conflicts and urged all parties to seek amicable resolution.
He specifically mentioned the ongoing disagreement in Oyo State over who should permanently chair the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs—currently a contentious issue involving the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin; and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Laoye. He also criticized the rift between the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, describing the situation as regrettable and potentially damaging to Yoruba unity.
“They are all revered leaders and fathers of the Yoruba race. Disputes should be resolved behind closed doors in the spirit of unity and tradition,” he advised.
Oba Adeniyi concluded by renewing the call for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in Nigeria, stating that the ongoing constitutional amendment process presents a golden opportunity for the National Assembly to formally recognize and empower traditional institutions in governance.
“The National Assembly has another unique opportunity to do this since there is an ongoing amendment process expected to be finalised by December this year,” he said.
