Alaafin of Oyo condemns Kwara killings, calls for unity against insecurity

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has urged Nigerians to unite against what he described as “blood guzzlers and enemies of the state” who thrive on the mindless killing of innocent citizens.

In a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Thursday, the monarch condemned the recent killings of Yoruba people in Oke Ode, Kwara State, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen. He described the incident as barbaric and a direct threat to national peace and security.

Oba Owoade disclosed that he had contacted the Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on the matter, commending him for swiftly deploying a battalion of soldiers to the affected community. The governor, in turn, lauded the Alaafin’s concern and described him as a visionary leader and titan of Yorubaland.

Expressing dismay over the rising cases of violence linked to herdsmen, the Alaafin recalled that Fulanis and Yorubas had coexisted peacefully for decades without such records of bloodshed. He urged the Federal Government to ensure that perpetrators of the Kwara killings are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent.

“Government, political leaders, and citizens must summon the courage to address the root causes of insecurity, criminality, insurgency, and the recent wave of terrorism by herdsmen,” the Alaafin said. He stressed the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture to create a peaceful and stable environment for development.

While commending security agencies for their efforts, the monarch warned against actions capable of threatening peace and national unity. He also assured residents of Oyo and other ethnic groups in Yorubaland of adequate protection of lives and property.

The Alaafin recalled that the Oyo Empire had historically provided cattle ranches and even donated land to Fulani herdsmen to promote peaceful coexistence. He noted that whenever conflicts arose between farmers and herdsmen, his palace employed traditional conflict resolution mechanisms to foster dialogue, consensus-building, and reconciliation.

Oba Owoade reiterated his commitment to ensuring harmony among all ethnic groups in Yorubaland, warning that the sanctity of human life and the dignity of persons must never be surrendered to what he called “the ungodly forces of barbarism.”