Convene stakeholders’ dialogue ahead planned protest, Oluwo urges Tinubu

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders ahead of the planned protest on August 1, 2024.

In a statement signed by his press secretary, Alli Ibrahim, Oba Akanbi emphasized the importance of consultation in averting potential violent confrontations. He urged the President to engage with stakeholders for a national discourse.

Oba Akanbi expressed concerns that the protest might be hijacked by hoodlums, pointing out the possibility of public properties, built through the collective efforts of Nigerians, becoming targets of theft and destruction.

He implored Nigerians to draw lessons from the aftermath of the EndSARS protests, which saw the destruction of numerous properties funded by public resources.

The monarch urged President Tinubu to extend invitations to leaders of major political opposition parties, notably the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, as well as labor union leaders, student unions, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), notable traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. The goal would be to discuss the state of the nation and gather ideas to address the economic hardships.

Acknowledging the widespread economic difficulties and rising inflation affecting not just Nigeria but the global community, Oba Akanbi emphasized the need for national dialogue involving various stakeholders to explore possible solutions to the country’s challenges.

“At this crucial moment of global economic challenges, Nigeria included, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convene a national dialogue. In a democratic setting, a peaceful protest is guaranteed, provided it is not hijacked. Protesting is not advisable at this critical moment of tense global economic hardship,” Oba Akanbi said.

“Even if a protest is held, we will resort to a roundtable discussion afterward. It will provide an avenue for the government to reveal their plans for addressing the food crisis and managing the economy to our collective advantage.

“Different bodies should have representatives at such a gathering. Those willing to protest should appoint leaders. It shouldn’t be like the EndSARS protest, which lacked leadership. No harm will come to them,” he added.