IRAF WARNS SUNDAY IGBOHO AGAINST INFLAMMATORY UTTERANCES, CALLS FOR PEACE AND RESPECT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

The Ibadan Royal Advancement Forum (IRAF), a forum comprising Mogajis, Baales and prominent sons of Ibadanland, has expressed concern over statements attributed to Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, regarding the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

The Forum described the reported remarks suggesting possible unrest if any attempt were made to dethrone the Olubadan as potentially inflammatory and capable of creating unnecessary tension and threatening the peace of Oyo State.

While reaffirming its commitment to protecting the dignity, authority and revered position of the Olubadan, IRAF stressed that defending traditional institutions must be pursued through peaceful, lawful and constitutionally recognised channels.

The Forum noted that security is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation between traditional institutions, community leaders, security agencies and the state government, under the constitutional authority of the Governor as Chief Security Officer of the state.

IRAF believes that individuals who genuinely desire peace and security in Yorubaland should promote constructive engagement and work with relevant authorities rather than make public statements that could be interpreted as threats of confrontation.

The Forum therefore urges Sunday Igboho to exercise restraint and ensure that his public comments do not contribute to tension or undermine the peaceful coexistence of the people.

IRAF also calls on political actors, traditional stakeholders and members of the public to avoid spreading unverified allegations concerning threats to the Olubadan’s safety or purported plans to dethrone him.

The Forum emphasises that the Olubadan’s dignity must be respected and that any genuine concerns involving the traditional institution should be addressed through appropriate legal and constitutional processes.

As custodians of Ibadanland’s cultural heritage and advocates for its continued development, IRAF declares that it will not remain indifferent to actions or utterances capable of threatening the peace, unity and stability of the ancient city.

The Forum’s position is clear: protecting the Olubadan must go hand in hand with protecting the peace of Ibadanland. No individual should take the law into their own hands or make statements capable of encouraging unrest.

IRAF remains committed to promoting unity, safeguarding Ibadan’s traditional institution and supporting every lawful effort to sustain peace, security and development across Oyo State.

Issued by: Ibadan Royal Advancement Forum (IRAF)