Oba Olatunbosun Urges Residents Of Osun To Shun Violence, Be Ambassadors Of Peace

By Hammed Tajudeen, Osogbo

As the world celebrate International Day of Peace Akire of Ikire-Ile Kingdom,Oba Abdulazeez Olatunbosun, has called on residents of Osun to shun violence and embrace peace at all time.

The royal father also enjoined every resident of Osun to see themselves as ambassadors of peace.

Oba Olatunbosun made this known on Saturday while delivering his speech at the Osun State Communities Peace Symposium 2024 with the theme “Building Sustainable Peace In Osun State Targets, Evidence And Comprehensive Plan Of Action, organized by World Institute for Peace.

The monarch who stressed that peace is about fostering societal friendship and harmony, added that, in a social sense, its commonly referred to as a situation of lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence or attack between individuals or groups.

Highlighting steps to ensure peaceful society in Osun, the monarch said open communication should be encouraged where people are allowed to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

He further explained that fostering inclusivity and diversity in terms of promoting understanding and respect among community members helps to achieve a peaceful society.

Others according to the royal father are, provide education and training, address conflicts constructively,establish mechanisms for resolving disputes peacefully, empower local leaders and build partnerships with local organizations, government agencies to leverage resources among others.

Oba Olatunbosun’s speech reads in part “As a people, we can not deny the fact that our society is bedevilled with security challenges including, but not limited to armed banditry, kidnappings, communal clashes and political thuggery.

“Our youths are taking to crime at an alarming proportion that all hands have to be on deck to rid our society of the menace of criminality.

“However, this gathering, in my belief, is not to wail and complain but to find solutions to the myriad of insecurity challenges we are faced with on a daily basis.

“All hands have to be on deck to provide actionable intelligence to security agencies. When we see something and say something, we shall afterwards conduct our activities in a peaceful atmosphere.

“Furthermore, our security agencies should imbue confidence in us, so that whoever says something helpful to them will not see something terrible after.

“The government should also apply the laws of the land without fear or favour, let or hindrance. Equality of the law and strict adherence to the rule of law will help Nigeria build a peaceful society.

“We should all remember that building sustainable peace is a long-term process requiring patience, dedication, and collective efforts.

“I appeal to everyone to shun violence and embrace peace wherever we find ourselves. Each and everyone of us must become ambassadors of peace.

“Let us avail ourselves of the various lawful and peaceful means of seeking redress when we feel oppressed, such as reporting to the elders in your community, the palace, the police, the civil defense Corp, or going to the law court.

“For our own peace, report any crime and criminal tendencies to the appropriate quarters. God the Almighty loves peace as He is a God of Peace.”

He lauded the World Institute for Peace under the able leadership of Comrade Lamina Kamoludeen Omotoyosi saying “Your efforts at ensuring a peaceful society is highly appreciated.”

Other Obas at the program are; Oluresi of Iresi – Oba Sikiru Adeseun Ibiloye, Odunmirin II, Aree of Iree – Oba Muritala Oyelakin, Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesa –
Oba Ogidiolu Amos Adewumi and Akesin of Ora Igbomina: Oba Samuel Oladoye Idowu.