The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has disclosed plans to meet with Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to proffer solutions to the ongoing crisis in the south-east, Punch reports.
The monarch also plans to meet with Igbo traditional rulers, in order to find ways to prevent loss of lives.
It was gathered that Oba Akanbi disclosed his plans as he spoke at a public lecture and conferment of the Distinguished Service Award on Wunmi Faniran, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oyo state chapter.
According to Akanbi, traditional rulers must rise up and defend the nation’s unity.
He noted that the IPOB agitation was coming at a period when the country had a competent government in place, which was determined to wage war against corruption.
He stated: “As a father of all Nigerians, I’m visiting the Southeast soon to mediate for the sustenance of ‘one Nigeria’ because when elders are in the market, a child’s head shouldn’t drop.
“I will personally meet the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and some notable traditional rulers and I’m optimistic it (the meeting) will yield peace.
“It is unfortunate the (IPOB) threat came at a time we have a serious government ready to fight the genocidal disease (corruption) killing this nation. It must be addressed.
“The best the agitators should be doing is praying for this government and (making) not secession threat.
“The country has been in mess owing to maladministration. Such has promoted the proliferation of militant syndicates in Nigeria.
“If the government is responsible, the spate of insurgencies will be decimated.”