The Yoruba Council of Elders has urged all Nigerians to actively participate in addressing the country's escalating insecurity, emphasizing that government efforts alone are insufficient. During a visit to the Ooni of Ife, the council highlighted recent violent incidents and advocated for greater involvement of traditional institutions. They also raised concerns about land sales in Yorubaland, proposing leasing as a safeguard for future generations.
The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, at the Arole Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to stress the urgent need for nationwide collaboration against insecurity. Speaking through its president, Jibade Oyekan, the council described insecurity as Nigeria's foremost challenge, pointing to recent mass abductions and attacks in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states. "This should not be left in the hands of government alone," the council stated. "Going forward, therefore, all Nigerians must participate in curbing the menace of insecurity collectively to eradicate it."
The elders called on federal and state governments to empower traditional rulers for enhanced intelligence gathering and community vigilance, noting their proximity to local populations. This approach, they argued, could bolster stability amid ongoing violence.
Beyond security, the council addressed land ownership issues in Yorubaland, warning against unchecked sales to outsiders that might erode cultural identity and heighten risks. They recommended leasing arrangements over outright transfers, drawing a historical parallel to the 19th-century lease of Hong Kong by Britain from China. "It was proposed that the lease of land space should be explored," the statement noted, "to achieve this goal, it is important to give serious consideration to the issue of the culture of land ownership and acquisition by strangers, to the extent that future generations will not lose out."
The group cautioned against repeating historical errors akin to the Palestinian situation and urged revisions to constitutional provisions on traditional rulers' roles in land matters to foster unity and reduce political divisions. The visit aligned with celebrations of Oba Ogunwusi's 10th year on the throne, during which the elders offered prayers for his continued leadership.
