Oluwo urges sanctions on South Africa over xenophobic attacks

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has voiced strong condemnation against the ongoing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, labeling the nation a 'shame to Africa.' His stance, articulated through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, underscores a deep concern for the safety and dignity of Nigerians and other black individuals targeted in these violent incidents. Oba Akanbi's call for President Bola Tinubu to enact 'heavy sanctions' and consider recalling Nigeria's ambassador reflects a demand for decisive diplomatic action.

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South Africa has brought international embarrassment to itself by attacking Nigerians and their businesses. Africans are free to stay anywhere on African soil. There is no justification to attack any African on African soil.

This royal intervention highlights a growing frustration within Nigeria over the recurring nature of xenophobic violence in South Africa. The attacks, which have reportedly led to the deaths of Nigerians and the destruction of their businesses, are viewed not just as isolated incidents but as a collective assault on the continent. The Oluwo's appeal for Africans to unite and resist this 'madness' by imposing sanctions and staging peaceful protests at South African embassies resonates with a sentiment that the continent must stand together against such acts of hatred.

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Africans must come together at this material time to stop the madness in South Africa by imposing heavy sanctions, including recalling their respective ambassadors. Specifically, President Bola Tinubu should impose heavy sanctions on South Africa.

From a Nigerian perspective, the situation is particularly galling. The Oluwo pointedly referred to the attacks as an 'act of ingratitude' towards fellow Africans who once supported the anti-apartheid struggle. He emphasized that 'Africans are free to stay anywhere on African soil,' rejecting any justification for violence against them. The monarch's assertion that Nigeria, as the 'giant of Africa,' should lead the charge for decisive measures underscores a national pride and a sense of responsibility to protect its citizens and uphold continental solidarity. The call for an emergency dialogue and an ultimatum to end the attacks signals a desire for a more robust and unified African response to protect its people.

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The attacks on fellow Africans who fought against apartheid imposed by white men are an act of ingratitude. An attack on Africans on African soil is an attack on Africa itself. It is unwise for Africa to destroy itself. We should never live below our expectations.