Deji Elumoye in Abuja Traditional rulers drawn from all the six geo-political zones in the country have appealed to those plotting a nationwide protest against the government to be wary of actions that could plunge Nigeria into anarchy. The royal fathers, who spoke to newsmen on Thursday after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, were led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II. The Ooni of Ife, who is co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, urged protesters to exercise their civic rights peacefully, warning against its being hijacked by individuals with sinister motives.
According to him, the nation’s traditional rulers condemn violent acts, looting, and breakdown of law and order, stressinf their role as parents and leaders in engaging with youth. He advocated for dialogue, voting out unpopular leaders, and collective nation-building, acknowledging Nigeria’s challenges. The Ooni commended President Tinubu’s willingness to engage and bring governance closer to the people, marking a new approach in leadership.
His words: “People that are out there to protest, it’s their civic right, but let them put a face to it and don’t let it be hijacked by people that have ulterior motives. That is our stand. “We condemn such acts fully, we traditional rulers are not engaged in people, especially the youth, coming out to start looting, to start b.