A Pan Yoruba Group, Oduduwa Assembly, has called on need for various groups in the region to come together under one umbrella to have a common agenda, stressing that, that is the only warfare left for the region.
.Penpushing reports that, the group stated this in a communiqué issued and signed by its President, Dr Yemi Farounbi, at the end of meeting held in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, identifying worrisome situations which include: killings, herdsmen activities, raping, kidnapping and many other issues bedeviling the nation.
‘We need to bring all the Yoruba groups and other groups within the region together to have a common agenda, the only warfare left for us is not gun-carrying but establishing this brotherhood”, the communique emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that, the body berated manner at which the President Mohamadu Buhari led administration is handling security challenges in Nigeria, and reaffirmed its commitment to Oodua nation within the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
The communiqué pointed out that the ugly development has further necessitated the revamping of the assembly, emphasising on peaceful and civil means, without violence or animosity to other groups or peoples as part of its guiding principles in proving their case in the face of security and other challenges facing the Yorubas
“Yorubas are one united and indivisible people, and shall work together to achieving our aim. Yorubas must speak with one voice to demand our rights to own our destiny, through peaceful negotiations and civil means with local and international government and institutions.”
‘We are passionate about the economic agenda that we should be able to feed ourselves, transport ourselves and work communally together; we provide market for the Northern tomatoes, pepper, yams, beans; potatoes and Onions; these were things we produced in the past.
‘We all know the cost of tomatoes now because of the ongoing crises. The need for our economy revitalisation is very paramount; our dependence on foreign foods from the North has destroyed our economy in the South-West.”
‘They therefore call on leaders to empower and encourage unemployed youths out there to go into mechanized farming. “South-West governors should plough, harrow and prepare the lands for our youths. A region that cannot feed itself cannot stand on its own.”
‘The disease troubling the Yorubas has deeper roots and we have to look at different ways of tackling them. We are not just a cultural organisations but one that is determined to see how we could bring the best to Yorubaland. It’s not a good thing to begin to seek for a Yoruba Republic now, a lot still needed to be done before that. The best of the Yorubas cannot be yesterday’.
‘TOAS knows that economy is the foundation (sub-structure) while politics is the super-structure and that’s the only way for the Yorubas to grow. Through this pressure group we shall formulate ideas like we are currently doing and influence decisions for the betterment of the Yorubaland and government of the day.”
The group further urged members and the entire Yorubas not to be in a hurry as any uncivilised action against the government will be tagged as terrorism, warning that some individuals are waiting for the region to be devastated
“Some people are waiting for the South-West to be devastated, so we must not be ignorant. We require wisdom to unite and build a formidable Yoruba nation like Chief Obafemi Awolowo did through Intellectual warfare.”
‘Our Yoruba leaders should unite and seek ways of determining our continuous stay with the Nigerian nation or way forward. We need a Nigeria-re-arranged, restructured and comfortable to stand as one”
The group on unity of purpose stated its commitment towards the best of Yorubaland in the spirit of brotherhood, noting that for long the region had been used, and its citizens being used against each other
“For too long we have been used against ourselves. its time for us to work together as Yorubas and indeed south-westerners to benefit our region as one. Singleness of purpose is key to our survival as a region. We must be futuristic in our advancement as a region by planning ahead and mentoring the youths who are interested in politics.”
‘As regards 2023, Yorubas have made a lot of positive efforts already to ensure that we secure the Presidency and that, it’s purely political and not through violence like it’s been promoted in some quarters. We have paid our dues to earn it’.
“Before you can be a good Nigeria you must first be a good Yorubaman Charity begins at home. Let’s follow the ideas of our leaders Chief Obafemi Awolowo. When we take over come 2023, we will reconstruct Nigeria and stabilise Yorubaland.’
Penpushing reports that, the communiqué disclosed that, as part of efforts to achieving the vision, formal registration of the group, establishment of Board of Trustees and Directors, inauguration of youth wing, setting up of committees among other will all be put in place before the next virtual zoom meeting.
Meanwhile, notable leaders at the meeting include: Ambassador Yemi Farounbi(Chairman TOAS),Hon. Oladosu Oladipo,( Visioner of the Group),Elder Ayorinde,( Baale of Ekotedo),Prince Abiodun Adewale,(Convener),Hon. A.O Odunbaku, Bishop Afolabi Isaac and Barrister Ranti Ajileti, as well as youths from different professions
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