… As Socio-cultural group says Yorubaland needs united, depoliticised Amotekun***

A Yoruba socio-cultural group, Yoruba Ko’ya, has recommended true federalism as the most important indicator and best solution to the myriad of challenges confronting Nigeria.

The recommendation is contained in a communiqué issued by the group after a two-day retreat of Yoruba Ko’ya Leadership and Training Foundation (YKLTF), held in Ibadan.

The newsmen report that the retreat, targeted at ‘Resetting Nigeria’, was conducted both physically and virtually.

Newsmen also report that the retreat was attended by former Gov. Olusegun Osoba of Ogun; former Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, Sen. Olabiyi Durojaiye, Sen. Akin Odunsi, Sen. Iyabo Anisulowo and Sen. Tokunbo Ogunbanjo.

Also present at the retreat were some former military administrators, include Cdr. Kayode Olofinmoyin (retd.), Ogun; Navy Capt. Atanda Yusuf (retd.), Ekiti and Chief Olabode George.

The group, in the communiqué signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Demola Sanyaolu, acknowledged the need for true federalism, with emphasis on return to regional government.

It acknowledged that devolution of power, resource control, with agreed tax remittances to the Federal Government from states or region, would reset Nigeria on the path of genuine development and greatness.

The group also stressed the need for intellectual engagements on the state of the nation among all groups and associations in Yorubaland, with unity of purpose, insisting that ‘jaw-jaw is better than war-war’.

It expressed support for a permanent ban on open grazing in all the southern states of the country and called for funding of all community development associations (CDAs), Amotekun and other associations in various south-west communities.

The group called for fortification of Amotekun Security Network to combat terrorist attack, urging governors and local council chairmen to take charge as chief security officers of their respective areas.

It agreed that criminal conflicts, such as cases of kidnapping, banditry, killings as well as destruction of lives and property across Yoruba land, must be curtailed.

According to the group, resetting of Nigeria cannot be fully discussed without attempting to restore the Yoruba lost family values and virtues, suggesting the inculcation of good family values on the younger generations.

It recommended that a body of past south-west governors, military administrators, senators and speakers of houses of assembly be constituted as major advisory body to the incumbent office holders in the zone.

The group recommended September 23 as the Yoruba Unity Day, in recognition of the peace treaty signed after Kiriji War, with a unique inauguration of this body by collective action of state governments in the zone.

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“Since agitation for self-determination is not new in Yoruba land, it was recognized, with demand for honesty and integrity in national administration as well as equity in dispensation of justice and governance,” the communique read in part.

Among those present were some former state assembly speakers: Prof Mojeed Alabi (Osun), Jumoke Akindele(Ondo), Titi Oseni-Gomez (Ogun) and Rotimi Kuteyi.

Others were Chief Deji Osibogun, YKLTF President, Chief Kola Onadipe, YKLTF Secretary-General, Chief (Mrs) Ronke Okusanya, Alhaji Lekan Ajia, Mr Olakunle Osuntokun, Chief (Mrs) Yemi Ogedegbe and Mr Demola Sanyaolu.

Mr Bimbo Ashiru, a two-term commissioner in Ogun, Chief Kunle Ogunmola, Mr Akin Akindele and Mr Adekunle Osibogun, a councillor in the UK Parliament.

In the meantime, Majeobaje, a Yoruba Socio-cultural Group, has said all that Yorubaland needs is a united and depoliticised Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, for effective protection of their territory from invaders.

Chief Akintayo Akin-Deko, the Convener, Majeobaje Group, made the submission while speaking with newsmen after a meeting, tagged ‘Majeobaje Rountable’, held on Sunday in Ibadan.

The newsmen report that the Majeobaje Roundtable was attended by representatives of the various Yoruba groups, including that of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.

Akin-Deko said that from the extensive deliberations at the meeting, many expressed their displeasure at the operations and management of Amotekun.

He begged the governors and elders to leave the operations of Amotekun outside the purview of the government, adding: “We can see the politics in the whole management of Amotekun. The governors have their political leaders and agenda. Yorubaland needs a united and depoliticised Amotekun.

“So we are not happy the way it is being run and we are going to keep pressure on the governors, on our leaders to make sure Amotekun works as an independent unit.”

The convener stressed that Yoruba groups need to unite at a critical period like this, to ensure they speak with one voice and protect their territory from invaders.

“If you are Fulani and you are a law-abiding citizen of Yorubaland, we are honour-bound as Omoluabi to protect you with our own lives.

“Our anger is against non-Omoluabis, illegal herdsmen and anybody who try to destroy welfare of the Yorubas. What happened in Igangan was obviously the death of innocent people in Yorubaland,” he said.

The convener said that their intention was to evolve a self-defence measure towards finding out who perpetrated the Igangan massacre and get justice for the victims.

He said that the measures will also bring relief to the children of the victims, their widows and help in the rehabilitation of the affected communities.

Mr Oladokun Oladiran, the Convener, Igangan Development Advocates, commended the Majeobaje group for bringing other groups in Yorubaland together towards forging a united voice.

Oladiran, who acknowledged that invaders are on the prowl, called on the people to be more proactive and ready to protect their territory and their families.

“So, there should be a way for us to motivate ourselves, educate ourselves, enlighten ourselves, so that we will not be caught unawares.

“I hope that we have some governmental stakeholders in this gathering who have listening ears and ready to act,” he said.

He called on the people not to depend, rely or wait for government’s intervention, urging them to unite towards protecting their territory.

According to him, “My take home lesson is that the onus is on us to protect our territories and families.”