As the newly installed Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, steps into his role, the people of Oyo are turning to him for leadership, urging him to prioritize the resolution of the long-standing land dispute between Oyo and Afijio Local Government Areas.
These tensions, particularly in areas like Ilora and Awe, have recently escalated into violent clashes, leaving the communities in fear and uncertainty.
In an exclusive interview with The NIGPOST, the Baba Iyaji of Oyo, Mr. Mukaila Afonja, expressed concerns about the growing unrest caused by the land conflict.
He noted that the absence of a monarch since the death of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had worsened the situation.
“There are places where the dispute has turned violent, with people resorting to weapons. We are hopeful that the new Alaafin can step in and bring the warring parties together to restore peace,” Afonja said.
Similarly, former lawmaker Muideen Olagunju urged Oba Owoade to take a strong yet diplomatic approach in addressing the issue.
“We need him to declare a state of emergency regarding land disputes in the Awe and Ilora regions, working with Afijio’s traditional rulers to find a peaceful solution,” Olagunju recommended.
Community elder Adebayo Olawoyin highlighted the need for religious tolerance and youth empowerment to combat the rising insecurity.
“The new Alaafin should focus on ensuring peace among different religious groups and create opportunities for the youth to reduce criminal activities,” he said.
Further calls were made for the Alaafin to unite the communities, foster regional cooperation, and advocate for development.
Olorunpoto Rahaman, a member of the state assembly, stressed the importance of the monarch’s involvement in youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and educational initiatives.
Former lawmaker Isiaka Tunde reminded the Alaafin of his pivotal role in advancing the interests of the Yoruba people. “The Alaafin must stand as a cultural ambassador for the Yoruba and advocate for local entrepreneurship and rights at the national level,” he said.
With the hopes of the people resting on his shoulders, Oba Akeem Owoade begins his reign with the expectation that he will lead the kingdom toward peace, progress, and a cultural renaissance.
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