The Ooni of Ife, Oba Babatunde Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has joined forces with the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) to call for collective action against insecurity in Yorubaland and across Nigeria.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit by YCE leaders, led by its President, Chief Jibade Oyekan, to the Ooni at his Arole Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The visit, which also marked discussions on issues affecting the Yoruba nation and the country at large, resulted in resolutions aimed at strengthening community security and protecting indigenous land rights.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, which was made available to The Guardian in Ibadan by the Secretary-General of YCE, Chief Oladipo Oyewole, the delegation emphasised that tackling insecurity cannot be left solely to government agencies.
Traditional rulers, they said, must be empowered to take proactive roles in ensuring the safety of their communities. “All Nigerians must participate in curbing the menace of insecurity collectively to eradicate it,” the statement read.
The leaders also raised concerns over land ownership and usage by non-indigenous entities in Yorubaland. They urged that options other than outright sales, such as long-term leases, be explored to preserve cultural heritage and protect future generations from losing ancestral lands. They cited historical examples, including the 19th-century Hong Kong lease arrangement between China and Britain, as models for consideration.
Highlighting the need for stronger governance, the council recommended that both federal and state governments revisit the constitutional roles of traditional rulers in land administration to reduce political polarization and enhance stability.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to celebrate the Ooni’s tenth anniversary on the throne. The YCE delegation prayed for his continued wisdom and guidance, wishing him more fruitful years under the divine blessing of Olodumare and his forebears.
The deliberations underscored the importance of Yoruba unity in addressing pressing national challenges, with a focus on security, sustainable land management, and the preservation of cultural values.
The Ooni and the YCE reaffirmed their commitment to working together to ensure that Yorubaland remains secure, prosperous, and united in the face of contemporary challenges.
