Oba Rashidi Ladoja urges restraint as Oyo Government intensifies investigations into violence that claimed four lives in Ibadan

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has issued a heartfelt Olubadan Peace Appeal, urging residents to embrace peaceful coexistence following the deadly clash in the Ojoo area of Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, which left at least four people dead and several others injured.

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The monarch made the appeal on Wednesday in a statement issued in Ibadan by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, as the Oyo State Government and security agencies intensified efforts to restore calm and identify those responsible for the violence.

Oba Ladoja described harmony among the various ethnic communities living in Ibadan as essential to the city’s continued stability, reminding residents that the ancient city has become home to Nigerians from diverse backgrounds.

“The peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups in the land is of paramount concern to me.

“Regardless of where we come from, we should continue to see ourselves as brothers and sisters,” the traditional ruler said.

Acknowledging that disagreements are inevitable in everyday life, Oba Ladoja urged all parties to exercise restraint, particularly in view of the prevailing security challenges facing the country.

The Olubadan also commended security agencies for their prompt intervention, describing their swift response as crucial in containing the unrest.

The appeal followed Tuesday night’s violence in the Ojoo community, where a dispute over a failed Point of Sale transaction reportedly escalated after a commercial tricycle rider was allegedly stabbed during an argument.

The rider later died in hospital, triggering reprisals that spiralled into violent clashes involving rival groups, including wheelbarrow pushers, according to eyewitness accounts.

The unrest forced traders and transport operators, including those at the busy Ojoo Motor Park managed by the Park Management System, to shut down business activities as fear spread across the area.

One eyewitness, identified as Iya Kadijat, said the dispute began after poor network service prevented confirmation of a cash withdrawal despite the customer already receiving the money.

“The transaction became contentious after a network failure prevented confirmation of payment despite the customer having already collected the money,” she said.

She explained that the rider attempted to reassure the operators by leaving behind his tricycle, its keys and his mobile phone before another individual allegedly attacked him.

Another resident, Azeez Olamiposi, alleged that the confrontation later escalated when armed individuals arrived at the scene, resulting in additional fatalities and injuries. Those claims have not been independently verified.

Earlier on Wednesday, Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal visited the affected community on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde and assured residents that those responsible would face justice.

“The civil unrest in this area has been instigated by criminal elements. Criminals are simply criminals, and criminality has no tribal identity. Our priority is to ensure the restoration of peace and stability here in Ojoo and, indeed, across every part of Oyo State,” Lawal said.

The deputy governor stressed that the government had commenced profiling suspects and would prosecute anyone found culpable, irrespective of ethnic background.

“We have come to appeal to our people, particularly the youths, to give peace a chance,” Lawal added.

The latest violence has renewed concerns over the potential for isolated criminal incidents to develop into wider communal disturbances in urban centres.

Although Oyo State has generally maintained a reputation for peaceful coexistence, security experts have repeatedly urged early intervention and effective conflict resolution to prevent local disputes from escalating.

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As investigations continue, the Olubadan Peace Appeal reinforces growing calls from traditional institutions, government officials and community leaders for restraint, dialogue and cooperation with security agencies to ensure lasting peace across Ibadan and the wider Oyo State.