The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has strongly condemned the recent killings in Ilorin, Kwara State, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen against people of Yoruba extraction at Oke-Ode.
Deeply disturbed by this development, the revered monarch described the incident as a senseless act of barbarity and an affront to peace, unity, and humanity. He called on Nigerians to stand united against “blood guzzlers and enemies of the state” who take pleasure in the mindless slaughter of innocent souls.
According to the Alaafin, “This is the time for us to reinforce our collective will to reclaim our nation and destiny from the jaws of insanity and cruelty. We must never surrender our socio-cultural values that uphold the sanctity of life and the dignity of the human person.
”Concerned about the fragile peace between Yoruba and Fulani communities — who have coexisted harmoniously for decades — Oba Owoade immediately reached out to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urging decisive action to curb further violence.
In response, Governor AbdulRazaq commended the Alaafin for his visionary leadership and his proactive approach to conflict resolution, assuring that a battalion of soldiers has been deployed to the affected area to restore calm and forestall further attacks.
Lamenting the deteriorating security situation, Oba Owoade questioned why the once peaceful Fulani herders have become threats to national stability. He urged the Federal Government to ensure that all perpetrators of the heinous act are apprehended and brought to justice as a deterrent to others.
The Alaafin stressed that national development is impossible without peace and stability:
“There have been greater security challenges in recent times than at any point in our history. We must summon the courage to identify and address the root causes of this insecurity — from criminality to insurgency and terrorism by herdsmen.
”He further advised leaders and citizens alike not to take the issue of security for granted but to collectively design and build a robust, inclusive national security system capable of sustaining peace and progress.
While commending the efforts of the security agencies, the Alaafin warned against any acts capable of threatening national unity. He assured all ethnic groups residing within Yorubaland of adequate protection of lives and property.
Oba Owoade also reminded the public that, historically, the Oyo Empire had been at the forefront of promoting peaceful coexistence with Fulani herders — providing cattle ranches and even allocating ten acres of land free of charge to ensure mutual understanding and cooperation.
“Whenever conflicts arise between farmers and herders, the Palace employs its traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, allowing dialogue, consensus-building, and restoration of peace,” he added.
This statement was issued by Bode Durojaiye,Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin of Oyo, Paramount Ruler of Oyo Kingdom and Superior Head of Yorubaland.
