The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has described the warning by the United States’ President Donald Trump on the possibility of a Christian genocide in Nigeria as a wake-up call for citizens to unite and take collective action against terrorism.
The monarch made the remarks while receiving the president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, over the weekend.
According to him, terrorism has been a national challenge for over a decade, dating back to the later years of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He lamented that the crisis has led to the deaths of countless Nigerians, massive destruction of property, and displacement of families across the country.
“Many people have been killed, and property worth an inestimable amount of money destroyed. Multitudes of families, particularly women and children, have been displaced. Kidnappings have become rampant,” the Olubadan said.
Oba Ladoja commended successive administrations, including those of former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari, as well as the current government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their efforts to curb insecurity, but stressed that terrorism remains a common enemy to all Nigerians.
“Terrorists do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians. They see everyone as prey while they remain the predator,” he said. “We must therefore come together as one people to confront this evil. I appeal to our Christian brethren to remain calm and prayerful. These difficult times will surely pass.”
The monarch further noted that the South-West region has long been a model of peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, urging other parts of the country to emulate the region’s tolerance and unity.
While acknowledging international concern over Nigeria’s security situation, the Olubadan cautioned against direct foreign intervention, emphasising that collaboration rather than interference would best serve the nation’s interest.
Earlier, Bishop Wale Oke congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. He prayed that God would grant the him wisdom, knowledge, and understanding to lead his people with integrity and fulfil the divine purpose of his reign.
