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By Lukman Olabiyi
A coalition of interest groups from Yoruba-speaking communities, under the aegis of the Yoruba Assembly (YA), has called for strategic collaboration among traditional rulers, governments, and stakeholders across the South West and neighbouring regions to address the growing insecurity in the area.
The call was made during the coalition’s conference held in Lagos yesterday, themed “Democracy and the Future of the People.”
The group raised the alarm over recent intelligence reports suggesting a possible incursion by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), into states like Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun.
The coalition urged the Yoruba people to remain vigilant and be prepared to resist any threats to their security and survival.
In his keynote address, the convener of the Assembly, Hon. Olawale Oshun, raised concerns over what he described as armed opposition to democracy, allegedly sponsored by fascist elements, who believe they have an exclusive right to control Nigeria’s political and economic systems.
“We warn military adventurists to stay away from politics. Any attempt to truncate democracy at this point will lead to unprecedented violence,” Oshun cautioned.
The group also condemned recent killings in parts of Kwara, Kogi, and Itsekiri land, noting that any attack on the children of Oduduwa is an attack on all Yoruba people.
The Assembly further called on the Federal Government to ensure the safety of Itsekiri communities in Delta State and Yoruba populations in both Kogi and Delta states.
“Yoruba people in Kogi and Kwara are facing what amounts to a declaration of war. Itsekiri communities are being sidelined, with pipeline protection contracts handed over to their adversaries. These injustices can no longer be tolerated. Justice must be served before it’s too late,” the group said.
The Assembly reiterated its call for the restructuring of Nigeria along pre-independence regional lines, which it said remains the most viable solution to the country’s lingering security and governance challenges.
Other prominent speakers at the event include: Dele Asaju; Dere Jarikpe, representing the Itsekiri people; veteran journalist, Adewale Adeoye; as well as Yoruba leaders and activists: Rasaq Arogundade, Wasiu Afolabi, Rasaq Olokooba, and Taofik Adeyemi.
