The Olota of Otta, His Majesty, Professor Adeyemi Obalanlege, Ph.D, MCIPR, MPRII, FHEA (Lanlege Ekun II, Arole Iganmode), has appealed to Nigerian youth to engage in dialogue as a means of addressing the nation’s issues, rather than participating in the planned nationwide protest which could lead to unnecessary unrest.
His Majesty made this appeal on Thursday, 25th July 2024, during an emergency dialogue with youth stakeholders across the Kingdom, held at the Royal Palace, Ipeti Square, Enu Owa, Otta.
He urged the youth to abandon any plan that could incite tension in the Kingdom, reminding them of the adverse effects experienced during the EndSARS protest. Oba Adeyemi further cautioned against allowing any genuine reasons and rights to peaceful protest to be hijacked by hoodlums, as has happened in the past.
Kabiyesi emphasized that the government has demonstrated willingness to address the needs of the masses, citing initiatives such as student loans, increased minimum wage, infrastructure development, and grants at both the federal and state levels.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the youth to sheathe their swords, assuring them that the common people’s yearnings are being attended to.
His Majesty advised that their demands be documented, assuring the youth that he will assist in ensuring the letter reaches the appropriate authorities.
Speaking on behalf of the youth stakeholders, Chief Rafiu Bakare, the Akeweje, thanked His Majesty for his significant role in ensuring stability in the Kingdom.
He expressed the youth’s readiness to heed His Majesty’s call and voiced their concerns, particularly about building trust among politicians, especially those representing the Kingdom in the current dispensation. “They need to do more to convince us,” he remarked.
Also, Chief Bakare assured His Majesty that they would continue to engage with other youth groups within the Kingdom to communicate their demands and promote a peaceful atmosphere in the cosmopolitan city of Otta and its entire environs.
