The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday cautioned members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) against taking the law into their own hands.

The traditional ruler urged the group to be law-abiding.

Ooni gave the advice when he received the OPC members, led by its President, Prince Osibote, in his palace.

The monarch described OPC as a promoter of the Yoruba tradition, ethics, and principles.

“Do not involve yourself in extrajudicial practices that could create more problems than we are trying to solve,” he admonished.

The Ooni added, “For the sake of the sweet memories of your late founder, Frederick Fasehun, I am appealing to all of you to have a rallying point so that you can be united.

“You can have several leaders all over. What I am appealing for is the unity of purpose and common interest in developing the Yoruba nation. If you know the meaning of the name ‘Oduduwa,’ you would place it high above all forms of selfish interests.

“I urge you all to be conscious of your words and actions because the people out there are watching.’

Earlier, Mr. Osibote, who said OPC “is made up of responsible persons,” added he believed “in the one Nigeria’ project.”

He stated, “I have told my followers, and I will like to state it again unequivocally that I am only interested in the peace and development of the Yoruba race.

“I am not a politician and would never be involved in politics.

“We have come to greet our baba (the Ooni) to receive his blessings and also assure him that we will continue to support him.”

(NAN)