The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao has called for the criminalization of incitement to hatred by citizens, groups and organizations in order to protect the unity of Nigeria.
The monarch said the actions of those opposed to the ongoing transition process in Nigeria portend a danger to Nigeria’s democracy.
He made these known in a statement personally signed by him on Monday, while reacting to the anti-presidential inauguration activities.
While condemning the act, the traditional ruler called on the incoming administration to enact laws that will criminalize incitement to hatred.
Olugbon, who is the Vice Chairman, Oyo state Council of Obas and Chiefs said the May 29, 2023 inauguration is the next step in the electoral process.
He urged opposition politicians to follow their petitions at the tribunal and shun actions capable of setting Nigeria on fire.
The statement reads: “I have watched with disappointment the attitude, positions and antics of those opposed to the ongoing transition process in Nigeria.
“The time has come for proponents of anti-inauguration activities to desist in the interest of unity and progress of this country.
“Their attitudes and actions portend a danger to Nigeria’s democracy and the future of over 200 million citizens of this great nation. Their determination to jeopardize the ongoing transition programme is both condemnable and unacceptable.
“It is very clear that a lot of people protesting physically, on all social media and other media channels are being sponsored by politicians who do not mean well for our dear country. These politicians are inciting their supporters to oppose legal aspects of the election process, exploiting the country’s diversity negatively to cause hatred and division, which is dangerous to the well-being of Nigeria.
“The May 29, 2023 inauguration is the next step in the election process, while the sitting of the election petition tribunal is the final stage.
“I urge opposition politicians to follow their petitions through and shun incitement to violence and actions capable of setting Nigeria on fire.
“The truth must be said, no matter how bitter. As a traditional ruler, I have every responsibility to speak up when I am not satisfied with what goes on in the society. The kind of politics being played is a threat to the existence of the nation. Ordinarily, our diversities in ethnicity and religion should be our strength. But this strength is being weakened on daily basis by the greed being demonstrated by gluttonous politicians. There is no better time to say it than now. Maybe they will understand that the nation is not doing well.
“A situation where politicians aid and encourage division can only lead us to somewhere which is predictable. Can you imagine a government not obeying court order in a country which is expected to respect separation of power? One principle on which democracy stands is separation of power whereby each arm of government functions independent of one another within the ambit of the law.
“I, therefore, urge the incoming administration to enact laws that will criminalize incitement to hatred by citizens, groups and organizations in order to protect the unity of Nigeria and engender peaceful and orderly society.”
