Paramount ruler of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite stakeholders in the Nigerian Project for dialogue ahead of the August 1st, 2024 planned protest.
Oluwo stated that consultation is necessary to avert violent confrontation by inviting the stakeholders for national discourse.
He feared protest might be hijacked by hoodlums to steal and destroy public properties built by our collective patrimony, insisting that it was for this reason that dialogue becomes reasonable when it’s embraced before protest.
He called on Nigerians to learn from the #EndSARS protest that got many properties built with public funds destroyed.
Oba Akanbi asked President Tinubu to extend invitation to major opposition political parties leaders, including the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Labour Party, LP, labour union leaders, students’ unions, civil society organizations, CSO, notable traditional rulers and other stakeholders to discuss the state of the nation and collate more ideas to address the economic hardship.
Oluwo expressed strong conviction that patriotic opposition political parties leaders would honour such national conversation.
Oluwo affirmed that the economic hardship and inflation are global, conveying the need to hold national talks with stakeholders to discuss solutions to the country’s challenges.
The monarch said these in a statement released by him through his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, adding, “At this crucial moment of global economic challenge, Nigeria inclusive, I call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to convey a national dialogue, most especially, with the dog handlers comprising the opposition parties leaders, civil society organizations, labour leaders, students, traditional rulers and religious leaders.
“In a democratic setting, a peaceful protest is guaranteed, provided some are not waiting somewhere to hijack it. Protest will not be advisable at this critical moment of tense global economic hardship.
“I’ve strong hope in the opposition leaders to honour national dialogue and contribute intellectual ideas to national development. No patriotic opposition leaders will want Nigeria to be destroyed.
“Even if a protest is held, we will resort to a round table discussion after the road show. Rather than allowing hoodlums to hijack the protest and destroy the nation we are trying to construct, why not embrace dialogue? When we sit together and talk to each other, more virile approaches and solutions may be suggested for application. It will also provide an avenue for the government to reveal its plans in checkmating food crisis and manage the economy to our collective advantage.
“Different organizations should be adequately represented have at such gathering. Those willing to protest should appoint leaders. It shouldn’t be like the ill-fated #EndSAS protesters without leader. No harm will be done to them. As a traditional ruler and leader, I’m watching to ensure that the masses’ interest is protected and always ready to speak truth to power. Sincere protesters can reach out to notable traditional rulers
“The inflation is killing. It’s a global phenomenon. I visited Saudi Arabia recently. Prices of goods have gone up across the world. Even the rich are finding it difficult. Addressing the challenge should involve everyone to come together and discusss way forward.”
