“Let Peace Reign In Yorubaland”, IBILE Club Counsels On Recent Acrimony Among S’West Traditional Rulers
The IBILE Club has called for a ceasefire on recent hightened debates concerning traditional institutions and public discourse in Yorubaland.
President of the group and former national President of the Nigerian Union of Journalism, Mr Lanre Ogundipe in a statement issued has called for peace and harmony in the south West region.
According to the statement,traditional institutions remain pillars of cultural continuity and social cohesion.
The statement read:
“The attention of IBÌLẸ̀ Club has been drawn to the heightened public debates and emotionally charged commentaries surrounding recent developments involving traditional institutions in Oyo State and Yorubaland at large.
“IBÌLẸ̀ Club wishes to state clearly and unequivocally that peace, mutual respect, and unity must remain paramount. Yorubaland has endured for centuries not because of rivalry among its institutions, but because of a shared commitment to dialogue, restraint, and collective identity.We urge the public to refrain from framing the Alaafin of Oyo as an enemy or a protagonist of division.
“The Alaafin of Oyo represents an ancient institution that has contributed immensely to the political, cultural, and moral fabric of Yorubaland. Differences over law, policy, or protocol should never be misconstrued as hostility to unity or progress.
“IBÌLẸ̀ Club also acknowledges the role of government in seeking to reform and administer traditional institutions within the framework of the law. Governance often requires difficult decisions, and reforms—when pursued in good faith—are part of democratic responsibility. Recognising this does not amount to partisanship; it is simply an affirmation that lawful processes and public order are essential to societal stability.
“At this sensitive moment, IBÌLẸ̀ Club calls on commentators, community leaders, and social media users to lower the temperature, avoid inflammatory language, and remember that Yoruba unity is larger than any single event, office, or individual,” the statement added.
