The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has condemned the killing of Yoruba natives in Oke Ode, Kwara State, allegedly by suspected Fulani herdsmen, and called for swift justice for the victims.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch described the attackers as “blood guzzlers, enemies of humanity and of sound reasoning” who must not be allowed to go free.
Oba Owoade stressed that Yorubas and Fulanis had coexisted peacefully for decades, warning that recurring clashes were eroding this history of harmony. He disclosed that he had already contacted Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq to discuss measures to forestall further bloodshed.
Responding, Governor AbdulRasaq hailed the Alaafin as a “visionary leader and Titan of Yorubaland,” assuring that a military battalion had been deployed to restore calm in the affected community.
While commending security agencies for their swift response, the monarch urged the Federal Government to track down and prosecute the perpetrators, noting that only justice could deter future attacks.
“Government, political leaders and followers must have the courage and honesty to confront the roots of insecurity, now worsened by banditry, insurgency, and terrorism,” he said. “Security should never be taken for granted. We must build a robust system capable of delivering peace and stability.”
The Alaafin recalled that historically, his forebears welcomed Fulani herdsmen by allocating land for ranching in the Oyo Empire, even providing more acres free of charge to encourage peaceful coexistence. Traditionally, he added, disputes between farmers and herders were resolved through dialogue and consensus.
He, however, warned against actions that could destabilize the region, reaffirming his commitment to the protection of lives and property across Yorubaland.
