Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 has urged all belligerent ethnic groups in Ibadan to hold on to peace and make it a point to dialogue more.
The monarch made the call over the on-going crisis at Shasa, Ibadan, pitting Yoruba and Hausa Fulani against each other over dispute whose origin is yet to be ascertained.
The Oba asked the group to sheathe their swords as jaw-jaw is better than war-war.
The first class monarch who bemoaned the high level of insecurity in the land in recent times made this known in Ibadan on Saturday after holding virtual meetings with relevant stakeholders, including Hausa/Fulani leaders in the ancient city
Oba Adetunji in a statement by hisPersonal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity, Mr Adeola Oloko lamented that for all of us to truly belong to the nation called Nigeria, it is important for people to eschew violence and bitterness by ensuring that minor conflicts do not degenerate to unnecessary tension.
According to Oba Adetunji “many of our compatriots have been living with each other for a long time. We grow up and attend schools together.
People from diverse ethnic groups do inter marry and give birth to lovely children”.
Olubadan stated that it came to him as a surprise that crisis could break out in Sasa culminating in large scale destruction such as burning down of properties belonging to neighbours.
“Immediately the report of the crisis got to us in the palace yesterday, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde was the first person I called and we have his promise that appropriate action would be taken as sinners would not go unpunished”, the monarch said.
Oba Adetunji urged the Governor to look into the possibility of compensating all those who have been affected by the needless crisis.
