Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams on Wednesday sought the urgent involvement of traditional rulers to combat the issue of insecurity ravaging the country.
Adams held that involvement of critical stakeholders and traditional rulers at the grassroots have become necessary for government to surmount issue of insecurity in the country.
He stated this while speaking at annual Ogun Festival, held in Ikorodu, Lagos,
The event,was organised by Olokun Festival Foundation.(OFF)
Adams who is the national coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), lamented the bad state of the security situation in South West region of the country and abandonment of culture and tradition by many traditional rulers.
“As custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition,it is their role as traditional rulers to support every activity that is geared towards promoting our culture and tradition.
“But it is sad that many of our traditional rulers have abandoned this sacred role, that is why the south west is at a crossroads.That is why we have been experiencing various crises and unrests across Yoruba land.
“In the past,Yoruba land was once an abode for peace and tranquility.
“Our land was the land of abundance and prosperity.
“We never had killers or kidnappers. We never had abductors or rapists.
Yoruba land was the envy of other regions. Visitors usually thronged Yoruba land because we are very tolerant and accommodating.
“Our traditional rulers should step up their activities by promoting the cultural identity of the Yoruba race.
“Our traditional rulers should embark on spiritual cleansing of their towns and communities.
“They should call on our ancestors and do the necessary sacrifices that could bring back the peace that had eluded us.
“Our traditional rulers have what it takes to stop marauders from their communities.
“They should go back to what our forebears were doing in the olden days to check unnecessary crises.
“I want to appeal to the governors in the south west states to salvage the terrible situation”, he pleaded ..
Representative of Ayangbunre of Ikorodu,Oba Kabiru Sotobi,Chief Kilani Jamiu Adeolu said the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) under the Aareonakakanfo has raised the bar of cultural promotion activities.
He said the Olokun Festival Foundation has been consistent in promoting the cultural festivals.
“The Yoruba is blessed with the Aareonakakanfo who has being the Pathfinder in cultural promotion activities.And I enjoin all members of the OPC to remain committed to this cause
Meanwhile,the Parakoyi Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Prof. Raheem Kolawole,stated that cultural integration is one of the tools that could strengthen the bond of unity in unity in Nigeria .
Guests present at the event include traditional rulers from Ikorodu communities,members of the National Executive Council and National Coordinating Council of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC)
