As political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, Mogaji Wole Arisekola has cautioned politicians and their supporters against violence, destruction of markets and actions capable of pitching Ibadan indigenes against one another.
Arisekola, the Mogaji of Ajenigieye, Oje, Ibadan, urged the people of Ibadanland in a passionate admonition to place their ancestral ties and collective interests above partisan loyalties, stressing that political differences must not be allowed to undermine the unity that has sustained the ancient city for generations.
He maintained that being an indigene of Ibadan should take precedence over membership of any political party, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).
“We were Ibadan indigenes first before we became members of the APC, PDP or APM,” he said, stressing that political affiliations should never become a reason for hostility among brothers and sisters.
According to him, Ibadan has historically demonstrated a strong sense of solidarity, with its people uniting against external threats despite their differences in political and social affiliations.
Arisekola recalled the sacrifices of the city’s forefathers in defending Ibadanland and the wider Yoruba community, describing their courage and collective struggle as a legacy that must be preserved rather than undermined by contemporary political rivalry.
He warned against what he described as attempts by outsiders to instigate Ibadan indigenes against one another, urging politicians and their followers to resist divisive narratives capable of inflaming tensions within the community.
“It is a taboo for any Ibadan indigene to take part in the destruction of Ibadanland,” he declared, calling on residents to remain vigilant against individuals who might exploit political differences to sow discord among the people.
The Mogaji also issued a stern warning against the alleged recruitment of political thugs to attack opponents or destroy markets, particularly facilities that sustain the livelihoods of traders and their families.
He invoked the memories of prominent Ibadan war leaders, including Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Ajayi Ogboriefon, Aare Latoosa and Balogun Ojo Arenibaku, whose historical roles he cited as a reminder of the sacrifices made to establish and defend the city.
Arisekola warned politicians who allegedly encourage violence against fellow Ibadan indigenes that such actions would attract grave consequences, using strong traditional language to underscore his opposition to political bloodshed.
He further appealed to young people to reject inducements to set markets ablaze or destroy traders’ goods, recalling the contributions of Ibadan women who sustained their households through trading while their husbands defended the city during periods of conflict.
“Our mothers always stayed behind and traded while their husbands went to war to defend their town,” he said, emphasising that markets represent not just commercial centres but also the livelihoods, sacrifices and heritage of generations of Ibadan families.
In a particularly forceful warning, Arisekola declared that those recruited to destroy markets should consider the devastating consequences their actions could have on their own families and the wider community.
As the 2027 campaign season approaches, he urged political leaders, party loyalists and prospective candidates to exercise restraint, promote peaceful engagement and avoid rhetoric or conduct capable of triggering violence.
“Let us tread softly. Defend our city. Think of Ibadanland first before anything else,” he appealed.
Arisekola concluded his admonition with the declaration, “The Oracle of Ibadanland has spoken,” followed by the traditional expression, “Ire o!”
“We were Ibadan indigenes first before we became members of the APC, PDP or APM,” he said, stressing that political affiliations should never become a reason for hostility among brothers and sisters.
According to him, Ibadan has historically demonstrated a strong sense of solidarity, with its people uniting against external threats despite their differences in political and social affiliations.
Arisekola recalled the sacrifices of the city’s forefathers in defending Ibadanland and the wider Yoruba community, describing their courage and collective struggle as a legacy that must be preserved rather than undermined by contemporary political rivalry.
He warned against what he described as attempts by outsiders to instigate Ibadan indigenes against one another, urging politicians and their followers to resist divisive narratives capable of inflaming tensions within the community.
“It is a taboo for any Ibadan indigene to take part in the destruction of Ibadanland,” he declared, calling on residents to remain vigilant against individuals who might exploit political differences to sow discord among the people.
The Mogaji also issued a stern warning against the alleged recruitment of political thugs to attack opponents or destroy markets, particularly facilities that sustain the livelihoods of traders and their families.
He invoked the memories of prominent Ibadan war leaders, including Basorun Ogunmola, Balogun Ajayi Ogboriefon, Aare Latoosa and Balogun Ojo Arenibaku, whose historical roles he cited as a reminder of the sacrifices made to establish and defend the city.
Arisekola warned politicians who allegedly encourage violence against fellow Ibadan indigenes that such actions would attract grave consequences, using strong traditional language to underscore his opposition to political bloodshed.
He further appealed to young people to reject inducements to set markets ablaze or destroy traders’ goods, recalling the contributions of Ibadan women who sustained their households through trading while their husbands defended the city during periods of conflict.
“Our mothers always stayed behind and traded while their husbands went to war to defend their town,” he said, emphasising that markets represent not just commercial centres but also the livelihoods, sacrifices and heritage of generations of Ibadan families.
In a particularly forceful warning, Arisekola declared that those recruited to destroy markets should consider the devastating consequences their actions could have on their own families and the wider community.
As the 2027 campaign season approaches, he urged political leaders, party loyalists and prospective candidates to exercise restraint, promote peaceful engagement and avoid rhetoric or conduct capable of triggering violence.
“Let us tread softly. Defend our city. Think of Ibadanland first before anything else,” he appealed.
Arisekola concluded his admonition with the declaration, “The Oracle of Ibadanland has spoken,” followed by the traditional expression, “Ire o!”
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