The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has appealed to youths protesting all over Nigeria in respect of the #ENDSARS to retreat and allow for discussions between them and the government in the interest of peace and tranquility.
Ooni made the plea on Monday while receiving former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at his Ile-Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
Ooni Ogunwusi who showered praises on the protesting Nigerian youths for their display of love and patriotism through their courageous protests, described the #EndSARS struggle as their clear message to the government on their demands.
He particularly commended them about their ability to get things done in a coordinated manner, urging them to allow the government to fully attend to their demands.
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“If you look at the #EndSars protest, you will see that our youths have what it takes to rule the country. Since day one, they have shown leadership, accountability and huge sense of responsibility which have sent a clear message to the government.”
” I am very impressed by what they have been able to achieve through the protest and the way they give reports of their spendings on a daily basis is a level of transparency that must be commended.”.
“As a youth leader myself, I am proud that we all have communicated our ideas and it is heartwarming that we have been heard.
“Dear youths, it is time to retreat particularly to prevent those with ulterior motives from hijacking the peaceful message of peace. The whole world is aware of our peaceful conduct and we must not let some bad elements tarnish this enviable integrity.
“Once again, I wish to urge our youths to stop the protest for now and give peace a chance. This would disallow the government from using force.” Ooni admonished.
Earlier in his speech, former President Obasanjo explained that the #EndSARS protest is a product of an extensive agitation of the Nigerian youths that needed to be attended to by the government.
“Over 65 percent of our population are under the age of 35 who look up to the best in life who struggle for education, some of them didn’t even get educated while those who are educated get frustrated because of lack of opportunities. We must realize that the lid on the boiling steam would have to be removed.
“But I believe that there are windows of opportunity which the government can explore to show that it cares about the people, especially the youths welfare as the father of the country particularly as the father of the youths.
“Fortunately by experience, the president has children and he knows how youths behave. I believe that the opportunities can still be taken to let the youths know that he as a father understands their plight and his government understands their plight and he is ready to make life better for them.” Chief Obasanjo said.
On the attack on Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s convoy by some suspected political thugs at the venue of an #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, the Ooni who is the permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, described the incidence as unfortunate.
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“It is sad and we cannot but condemn it as it is against the ethos of Omoluabi which we portray in Osun.
“Similarly, I want to commend Mr. Governor for his maturity in handling the sensitive issue despite all provocation. It shows him as a father that he is, may God continue to protect him.” the Ooni said.
