The Ooni of Ife emphasizes that the current hardship is worldwide and asks for time for the FG’s measures to take effect.
Acknowledging the populace’s right to demonstrate, he warned against vandalism of properties during scheduled rallies.
On Tuesday, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi – the Ooni of Ife – urged disgruntled youths who are organizing #EndBadGovernance protests in August to allow more time for the Federal Government to stabilize the precarious economy.
The top-tier ruler referred to the economic distress experienced in Nigeria as a “universal occurrence,” and thus suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s government should be granted sufficient time to rectify the inflationary aberrations.
During an appearance on the Politics Today show on Channels Television, Oba Ogunwusi stated that although suffering in Nigeria is a significant cause for concern, it is not unique to our country but rather a widespread issue affecting numerous nations globally. This statement was made after he met with traditional leaders from the Southern area of Nigeria.
It is crucial that we make an effort to appeal to the protesters, allowing the Federal Government some time for correction as this issue transcends borders.
While acknowledging the citizen’s right to protest, he warned against damaging public and private property during the scheduled demonstrations. He stressed that setting ablaze such assets would ultimately harm members of society.
In August, demonstrations are set to take place across all states in the Federation and Abuja, targeting economic struggles that have been fueled by social media.
In recent months, the cost of food and essential goods has skyrocketed due to Nigeria’s grappling with one of its most severe inflation rates and financial crises. These issues stemmed from the administration’s decisions to eliminate petrol subsidies and merge foreign exchange channels.
Despite warnings from the police, military, and Department of State Services about Kenya-style protests, politicians are urging youths not to proceed with planned rallies due to concerns that they may end up like the October 2020 EndSARS demonstrations. However, despite these appeals to cancel their plans for a rally, young people remain determined and unwavering in their insistence that the protest will still take place.
