As he pledged to maintain harmony and peace between the Afijian and Oyo communities, Oba Akeem Owoade, the Alaafin of Oyo, has called for peace in all communities.
This pledge was made in response to requests from a few well-meaning Oyo natives for the royal fath
Bode Durojaiye, the Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, said in a statement to the Alaafin in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on Tuesday that it is crucial to promote peace and harmony within communities in the linked world of today.
Owoade emphasized that in order to preserve social cohesion and avert conflicts, effective peace-building initiatives are necessary given the coexistence of diverse cultures, beliefs, and values.”Why must interwoven communities that had existed for decades and within the same metropolis, Oyo, be at daggers drawn with themselves over land matters, rather than working harmoniously for common goals?” he said. “Peacebuilding is more than just conflict resolution; it is a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of discord and fosters a culture of trust and collaboration. It involves engaging individuals and groups at all levels to create sustainable peace through dialogue, education, and empowerment.”
We must keep in mind that power is found in unity, just as a building divided against itself cannot stand. We stand together and in harmony, but we fall apart. There must be a ceasefire, since enough is enough. We cannot live in constant hostility and keep losing our blood. He insisted that there must be a permanent peace.
The monarch stated that he would first speak with influential people and opinion leaders on the subject before starting educational and awareness campaigns that foster mutual understanding and establish secure environments for candid discussions and peacemaking between the various communities involved.
“These components are instrumental in laying the groundwork for lasting peace and can significantly contribute to community harmony. Open and honest communication is essential for building trust and understanding among concerned community members.
“By creating platforms for dialogue, individuals can express their views and collaborate on solutions that benefit the entire metropolis.
“Let there be peace in every community. With God our creator, we are family. Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. I urge everyone to let peace begin from his or her doorstep. Let this be the moment now. With every step we take, let this be our solemn vow”, Owoade stated.
er to step in and resolve the ongoing land conflicts between the two groups.
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