The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has urged the People’s Republic of China to give logistics support to President Muhahamadu Buhari in fighting war against terrorism.
The monarch gave the admonition yesterday at a colourful reception for Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Zhou Pingjian, and his entourage who were on a courtesy visit to the paramount ruler in his ancient Oyo palace.
He said wanton destruction of lives and properties by the Boko Haram sect and other groups engaged in terror acts have not only reached an intolerable level, Nigerians are becoming more apprehensive and worried about the state of insecurity, especially flagrant disregard for human lives.
He said, “The country is going through serious security challenges and perhaps the most difficult trouble after the end of the civil war in 1970. What is more disturbing is that these Boko Haram insurgents and their allies cannot have such sophisticated and destructive weapons to terrorise without receiving backings from somewhere.”
The Alaafin noted that the People’s Republic of China as the second largest economy in the world can assist and mobilize other allied nations to come to the aid of Nigerian government in curbing terrorism, adding, “Threats to human lives are not only serious acts of terrorism but indeed an abomination. This is why every well meaning Nigerians and good friends of the country must see the current war against dreaded Boko Haram and other subversive elements as a welcomed development.”
Describing the visit of the Ambassador and his entourage as ‘uniquely historic’, and attestation of China’s sincere concern for the preservation of cultural heritage, the royal father pointed out that the visit was a melting pot of human culture, and a testing ground for human ability to co-habit, relate and work together for mutual relationship.
Ambassador Pingjian who was excited at the reception and honour, said he was in school when he first learnt about the history of Oyo Empire, Oduduwa and Oranyan.
While thanking the Alaafin for the opportunity to know more about Oyo Empire, kingdoms, kingships culture and tradition, he said “We are here to explore and understand the culture of the kingdom which is the greatest in Yoruba land, and one of the greatest in West Africa.”
Ambassador Pingjian added, “Oyo Empire was the most powerful in West Africa, with distinct and outstanding administration, as it shared the same philosophy with the China, which is people-oriented administration.”
