In a bid to restore peace and reinforce cultural values, His Royal Majesty, Oba Akinola Oyetade Akinrera, Latiiri I, the Olubosin of Ifetedo Kingdom in Osun State, has called on youths to desist from taking the law into their own hands.
The monarch made the appeal during a town hall meeting organised to address recent incidents of violence and killings among young people in the community.
Oba Akinrera, while condemning the disturbing trend of vigilante-style killings, particularly targeting individuals suspected of engaging in immoral acts, stressed that such actions are not only unlawful but also detrimental to the image of the Ifetedo community.
He emphasised that any youth found guilty of such acts would be handed over to law enforcement agencies to face the full weight of justice.
“Our community is known for peace and tranquility. I will not hesitate to hand over anyone involved in killings or any criminal activity to the police. We must uphold the rule of law,” the monarch stated firmly.
The royal intervention follows a series of violent incidents reportedly triggered by suspicions of homosexuality among some students and indigenes.
Oba Akinrera advised the youth to allow the appropriate authorities and traditional institutions to handle such sensitive matters rather than resorting to violence.
“Reports reaching me indicate that some youths are attacking people based on accusations of engaging in acts contrary to our customs and traditions. While our values remain sacred, we must also remember that justice must take its course lawfully,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence, noting that Ifetedo has long been a harmonious community where Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs have thrived side by side.
“As the Oba, I am committed to ensuring continued peace and unity among all religions and people in our land,” he affirmed.
Beyond the warnings, Oba Akinrera unveiled plans aimed at empowering the youths and revitalising the town’s economy.
He announced initiatives such as the establishment of the Ifetedo Development Council, which will serve as a hub for community-driven development plans.
According to him, “We are collaborating with illustrious sons and daughters of the town, as well as external partners, to attract industries and job opportunities. We aim to discourage immoral acts by creating avenues for empowerment.”
The monarch revealed that discussions are underway with training institutions in Iwo and Lagos to offer vocational and skills acquisition programs to local youths.
He also highlighted the untapped potential in agriculture, particularly cassava farming, as a profitable venture that could appeal to young people.
“We have the land and the resources. Once the youths begin to see results from agricultural efforts, their interest will grow,” he said.
As part of preserving tradition, Oba Akinrera also shared plans to develop cultural festivities like the Olojo Festival, encouraging the youth to connect with their heritage while contributing to the town's tourism and cultural identity.
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