The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has called on Nigerians to unite and confront the scourge of terrorism while addressing the grievances of citizens who feel marginalized.
His appeal comes amid growing global tension following a threat of military action issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking during a meeting with Bishop Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria,PFN, at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, Oba Ladoja expressed concern over the persistent insecurity that has plagued the nation for more than a decade.
He traced the root of Nigeria’s terrorism challenge to the final years of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2014, lamenting that the crisis has since claimed thousands of lives, destroyed properties, and displaced countless families—particularly women and children.
The monarch noted that kidnapping and other violent crimes have further compounded the nation’s woes, despite the substantial financial resources successive administrations have invested in security operations.
“Ex-President Jonathan has tried. Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has tried. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is trying. But I want to caution that terrorists don’t know the difference between Muslims and Christians. They see everybody as prey while they are the predator,” Oba Ladoja said.
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He emphasized the need for peace and mutual understanding among Nigerians, urging religious leaders to help douse tensions among their followers.
“We are appealing to you to please help us placate our Christian brethren who are understandably aggrieved that these times will pass,” he added.
The traditional ruler also reflected on the harmonious coexistence among people of different faiths in the South-West, expressing surprise that such unity remains elusive in other parts of the country.
While acknowledging that many Nigerians desire a complete end to terrorism, Oba Ladoja cautioned against external interference, stressing that the United States should not intervene in Nigeria’s internal affairs unless through mutual cooperation.
Bishop Oke, in his response, congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. He prayed for divine wisdom, knowledge, and understanding for the monarch to lead with justice and integrity.
Opera News
