ORIIRE ABDUCTION: Soun preaches against violent protest as NAPPS directs closure of all schools, NBTS announces low-key 127th graduation

ORIIRE ABDUCTION: Soun preaches against violent protest as NAPPS directs closure of all schools, NBTS announces low key 127^th graduation

Niyi AJALA

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has appealed to residents, particularly the youth, to maintain peace and exercise restraint ahead of the planned protest in Ogbomoso.

This is as the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has revealed plan to close all private schools till June 12. Also, President of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, Professor Ola Ayankeye, at the meeting disclosed that the institution would hold a non-elaborate convocation ceremony next Saturday (its 127^th) as a result of the prevailing situation.

The monarch speaking Thursday after a stakeholders’ meeting in his palace attended by representatives of Christian and Muslim leaders, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Students Union Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, National Association of University Students (NAUS), Federation of Ogbomoso Students Union (FOGSU), National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) among others.

The meeting was against the backdrop of kidnapping of 46 students/pupils and teachers at Oriire schools on March 15, who are being held captive since then, and a planned demonstration by youths in Ogbomoso on Friday to press home the demand for safe release of the victims.

Speaking on the development, the revered monarch emphasized that he is not opposed to citizens expressing their grievances through peaceful means but that his concern is that such protests could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, leading to disorder and violence.

According to the Soun, peaceful demonstrations have, in many instances, been exploited by individuals seeking to settle personal scores, thereby defeating the original purpose of the protest. He warned that what begins as a peaceful gathering could unexpectedly turn chaotic and create unnecessary tension within the community.

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The monarch also raised concerns over reports that some individuals were considering blocking trailers and commercial vehicles coming from Northern Nigeria. He cautioned against such actions, noting that many Ogbomoso indigenes reside and conduct business in northern parts of the country as well. Any hostile action against northerners in Ogbomoso, he said, could provoke retaliatory measures against Ogbomoso people living elsewhere.

Oba Olaoye stressed the need for dialogue, calmness, and mutual understanding, urging residents not to engage in any act capable of disrupting the peace and harmony for which Ogbomoso is known. He further advised that, as responsible citizens and youths, there is a need for everyone to come together to thoughtfully discuss the way forward during this challenging period rather than engage in actions that could heighten tension and create chaos within the town.

The monarch noted that increased tension and instability could discourage investors, visitors, and prospective residents from coming to Ogbomoso, thereby affecting the town’s economic and social development.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ogbomoso Zone, Comrade Adeyinka Olabisi, who revealed the union had had a solidarity walk, appealed to the monarch to intervene by directing private schools to temporarily suspend academic activities. He noted that many of the pupils currently in captivity are from private schools and argued that it would be appropriate for such schools to remain closed until the abducted pupils and teachers regain their freedom.

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During the meeting, Professor Ayankeye, while making his contribution, disclosed that the NBTS graduation ceremonies of the institution this year would be conducted in a solemn mood in view of the prevailing situation. He subsequently sought the royal approval of the Soun for the arrangement.

Students’ leaders assured there won’t be any protest but “Solidarity walk,” to show their displeasure and identify with the victims and their families. “Also, government should beef up security so all citizens of Oyo state can be safe.”

The Soun concluded by calling on all stakeholders, community leaders, and youths to “prioritize peace, unity, and constructive engagement in addressing the concerns facing the community.”