Olubadan urges unity against terrorism, cautions on foreign interference

Olubadan urges unity against terrorism, cautions on foreign interference

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described recent comments by United States President Donald Trump on alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria as a wake-up call for Nigerians to unite against terrorism.

Speaking at his palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, during a courtesy visit by Francis Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Oba Ladoja said Nigeria’s prolonged battle with terrorism had caused immense human and economic losses over the years.

He noted that the fight against insecurity has spanned successive administrations, from Goodluck Jonathan to Muhammadu Buhari and now President Bola Tinubu, all of whom, he said, have made significant efforts to contain the crisis.

READ ALSO:

• NFF dismisses claims of poor Super Eagles accommodation in Morocco
• Continental Reinsurance Commissions ₦70m ICT Lab to drive digital learning at CIFM
• Lateef Adedimeji, Tina Mba, Ruby Akubueze shine at 2025 AMAA awards

“Many people have been killed and property worth inestimable amounts of money destroyed. Multitudes of families, particularly women and children, have been displaced,” the monarch said.
“Former President Jonathan tried. Former President Buhari tried. President Tinubu is trying. But I want to caution that terrorists don’t know the difference between Muslims and Christians — they see everybody as prey.”

Oba Ladoja urged religious leaders to use their influence to foster peace and calm tensions among followers, stressing that terrorism affects all Nigerians regardless of faith or background.

He praised the South-West for maintaining strong interfaith harmony and expressed concern over rising sectarian divisions in other parts of the country.

The monarch also cautioned against direct foreign intervention in Nigeria’s security matters, saying any international support should be rooted in cooperation rather than control.

Earlier, Bishop Wale Oke congratulated the Olubadan on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, praying for wisdom, peace, and prosperity during his reign.

Olubadan urges unity against terrorism, cautions on foreign interference