The Yoruba Obas Forum (YOF), comprising prominent traditional rulers in the South-West region, appealed to Nigerian youths on Tuesday to shun the #EndBadGovernance protest slated to start August 1.

“As your fathers, we earnestly appeal to you all to shelve the planned protest in the interest of our dear nation,” the traditional rulers said.

The traditional rulers made the appeal in a statement jointly signed by its national president, the Molokun of Atijere, Oba Samuel Olusola Adeoye; deputy national president, the Elerinmo of Erinmo, Oba Michael Odunayo Ajayi; and public relations officer, the Alayandelu of Odo Alayandelu, Oba Asunmo Aderibigbe.

The traditional rulers called on the protest organisers to engage in constructive dialogue with the government over their grievances rather than embarking on protests that could lead to violence.

“As traditional rulers, we too understand and aware of the frustration and challenges faced by many Nigerians, but it is essential to approach these issues constructively and with dialogue,” the Yoruba rulers said.

The forum added, “Protest has never been a solution for nations to solve their challenges, but rather an avenue for the destruction of human lives and property. We Yoruba Obas Forum acknowledged the role of protests in a democracy and that is why we are warning against those who might exploit these events for malicious purposes as certain groups are looking to use this protest to invite violence and crime.

“Please, do not let non-state actors disrupt already existing peace and stability of our land, please be cautioned. While protesting is your democratic right, please consider the broader implications on our national stability and progress. Dialogue, round table conference and collaboration are far more effective solutions and antidote.”

The forum pointed out that “we are aware that there is hunger, insecurity and unemployment in the land, but the signals out there clearly indicate that another nationwide protest will definitely plunge this nation into more economic mess and insecurity.”

The traditional rulers noted that the country could not afford another unrest, considering the current state of the nation.

According to them, the present administration is relatively young and working tirelessly to improve the common man’s life in an enduring manner.

“We traditional rulers in the Yoruba land were deeply worried that a mass protest at this critical time will not do our dear country any good, rather, but can lead to further national disorder.

“Let us all accept dialogue with the Federal Government rather than destabilising the country with protests,” the rulers said.

They urged President Bola Tinubu and other political officeholders to urgently address hunger and the deep disconnect between the ordinary Nigerians and the ruling class.

(NAN)