Nollywood actress Opeyemi Aiyeola has called on celebrities, traditional rulers, and other well-known Nigerians to speak out about the rising insecurity in Oyo State and other parts of Yoruba land
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that she made the appeal in a video posted on her Instagram page on Tuesday.
In the video, she asked public figures with large followings and strong connections to use their platforms to draw attention to the increasing cases of attacks and kidnappings in the region.
She noted that many people are currently focused on political activities ahead of elections, but said the situation in Oyo State should not be ignored because it is getting closer to many communities.
She mentioned several public figures and traditional leaders, including the Ooni of Ife, the Olubadan, some Lagos monarchs, and entertainers such as Lege Miami, Eniola Badmus, Laide Bakare, Desmond Elliot, Funke Akindele, and Toyin Abraham. She appealed to them to use their influence to speak on the issue and help raise awareness about the growing fear among residents.
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 like we do not see what is happening. 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.
“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. 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.”
Her reaction follows the recent violent attack in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where armed men invaded schools in the Ahoro Esinele community and kidnapped pupils, students, and teachers from different institutions.