Cultural group to Tinubu: Protect indigenous identity, strengthen community security

By Dayo Johnson 

The Onile Custodians of Culture Foundation has raised concerns over growing threats to cultural identity, community safety, and social stability, calling for urgent and coordinated action from government and stakeholders.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Musiliu Babatunde Salami, the foundation urged President Bola Tinubu, federal and state authorities, traditional institutions, and other key actors to prioritize the protection of indigenous cultures and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.

Salami warned that increasing pressure on local traditions, languages, and heritage poses a serious risk to national identity and cohesion. 

The group stressed that the right of citizens to preserve and practise their culture must be protected, provided this is done within the bounds of national unity and mutual respect.

“Governments at all levels have a responsibility to ensure that cultural expressions are neither suppressed nor distorted.

“No group should face marginalization in the practice of its traditions.”

The foundation also highlighted persistent security challenges, including violence, displacement, and the destruction of livelihoods.

It said these developments underscore the need for a more proactive and responsive security architecture to safeguard lives and property.

OCCF further called for closer collaboration between government agencies and credible religious scholars to prevent the misuse of religious teachings.

It cautioned that faith-based narratives must not be exploited to incite division or justify unlawful acts.

The group emphasised the role of traditional rulers and community leaders in maintaining vigilance, noting that criminal elements may attempt to disguise their activities under religious or ideological pretexts to gain access and trust within communities.

To address the challenges, OCCF recommended: thorough investigation of reported cases of violence and displacement, and policies that protect indigenous cultures and prevent distortion or suppression.

Others include strengthening responsible religious education through recognized institutions, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue engaging traditional authorities in grassroots security initiative and enhancing protection mechanisms for at-risk communities.

While stressing that its position is not intended to promote division, the foundation maintained that unity can only thrive where justice, fairness, and respect for human rights prevail.

It urged political leaders and traditional institutions to act decisively, stating that lasting peace and national cohesion depend on inclusive governance and the protection of the cultural dignity of all citizens.

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