Nollywood actress, Opeyemi Aiyeola, has implored celebrities, traditional rulers, and other prominent Nigerians to speak out on the growing insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of Yoruba land.
The Yoruba actress, who spoke in a viral video, urged public figures with a large following to address the rise in attacks and kidnappings in the region using their platforms.
She said the security situation should not be overlooked amid election-related activities, stressing that the crisis in Oyo State is affecting more communities.
She said: “This video is just to call the attention of well-influential colleagues with the platform, the connection and the voice, to please lend a voice to the masses.
“I understand that the election is around the corner, and a lot of us are busy with the election, but unfortunately, we cannot pretend that we do not see what is happening.
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“It is also very sad and unfortunate that this is knocking on our doors. This is closer to home than expected. Oyo State is closer to home. Please lend your platform, lend your voices.”
Aiyeola named several traditional leaders and entertainers in her appeal, including the Ooni of Ife, the Olubadan, Lagos monarchs, Lege Miami, Eniola Badmus, Laide Bakare, Desmond Elliot, Funke Akindele, and Toyin Abraham.
“Our kabiyesies, the Ooni of Ife, Olubadan, the Obas in Lagos State, Lege, Eniola Badmus, Laide Bakare, Desmond Elliot. I’m so sorry I have to call a few names. This is closer to home than expected o.”
She asked them to use their influence to raise awareness about the fear spreading among residents.
“I’m not calling you all out negatively; I am just appealing to please let your heart speak. Use your pages, use your connections, use your links, use your voices. Funke, Toyin, … I don’t understand, sincerely.”
The call comes after gunmen attacked schools in the Ahoro Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where pupils, students, and teachers were kidnapped from different institutions.
