As part of the measures to curb violence in the scheduled August 1st-10th nationwide protest against bad governance in Nigeria, The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Alayeluwa Oba Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, has urged residents of Ado-Ekiti to refrain from participating in the nationwide protest.
Oba Rufus Adeyemo made this known while addressing the people of Ado-Ekiti at a security meeting in his palace today. The monarch expressed concerns over the potential for violence, citing the tragic events of the 2020 End SARS protests which initially started peacefully but was later hijacked by hoodlums, which led to loss of lives and properties.
The Mornach urged the people to give the federal government more time to address their concerns, adding that the government is doing its best to bring relief to the country through recycling of the minimum wage and duty-free importation of foods into the country.
Speaking at the security meeting, the Area Commander of Police in Ado-Ekiti, ACP Abayomi Agbare, also appealed to residents to avoid the protest. He emphasized the unpredictability of the situation over the 10days protest period and highlighted the ongoing suffering caused by the aftermath of the last protests.
The police boss said he recognized the constitutional right of every citizen of Nigeria on protest, but he urged people to be mindful of the potential consequences. He assured that the Police and other security agencies have devised measures to ensure the security of lives and properties during the protest.
The chairman of Ado Local Government, Honorable (NAME) also echoed the calls for restraint, urging residents to avoid the protest. He said he and other local government chairmen had meeting with Governor BIodun Oyebanji and the Governor is embarking on measures to bring ease to the people of Ekiti State.
The security meeting had in attendance the religious leaders from the Christians and Muslims association, the Igbo, Hausa and other tribes living in the State, the Local government chairmen, Councilors, Student Union, Motorist union, Market leaders, Landlords association, amongst others.
The leaders of each association spoke on behalf of their people, saying they had meetings with their members and they’ve all promised to stay away from the planned protest.
The leaders assured the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti and security agencies of their commitment to maintaining a peaceful environment, and pledged to discourage any violent activities that could disrupt the peace and harmony of the community.