Nationwide Protest: Suffering Not Only in Nigeria, Don’t Destroy Public Assets, Ooni Tells Nigerians

• Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, acknowledged Nigerians’ right to protest but urged for peaceful demonstrations amid rising costs and economic hardship
• He emphasized the need for patience with President Tinubu’s administration, highlighting that current economic challenges are part of a global phenomenon

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has addressed the planned nationwide protest against rising costs and hunger in Nigeria. Many Nigerians, particularly the youth, have called for demonstrations starting August 1 due to the soaring cost of living.

The economic situation in Nigeria worsened after President Bola Tinubu ended the fuel subsidy and eased foreign exchange controls following his inauguration in May last year. Inflation reached record levels, hitting 34.19 percent in June, with food inflation surpassing 40.87 percent, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Security agencies, including the police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS), have cautioned against protests akin to those seen in Kenya. Politicians, concerned that the rallies could escalate like the EndSARS protests of October 2020, have urged youths to reconsider their plans. Despite these appeals, the youths remain determined to proceed with the demonstrations.

Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Oba Ogunwusi acknowledged Nigerians’ right to protest but stressed the need for peaceful demonstrations and the protection of government property. He described the economic hardship in Nigeria as part of a global phenomenon and urged citizens to give the Tinubu administration time to address the inflationary challenges.

“We traditional rulers never said people should not go to the streets to demonstrate; it is their right. Even our political leaders confirmed that they can do so. Myself, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar III, and other traditional leaders across the country met with Mr. President recently, and we had a very good meeting,” Oba Ogunwusi said.

“The agitation is real. We know there is much suffering in the country, but it’s not only in Nigeria. We have global inflation, and it is everywhere. If it were only in Nigeria, we would have been more worried. We traditional rulers are concerned that we should not destroy our country. It is a global phenomenon. We should be very sensitive about it and be mindful of our country above all else.

“We should focus on true patriotism. As the custodians of our country, we must ensure public assets are not destroyed and appeal for patience so that the current government has time to make corrections, considering it’s a global issue.”