By Julius Alabi, Akure
A national conference where all Yoruba youths and groups in Nigeria and the diaspora will meet has been slated for April 2021.
The conference will determine among other things the actualisation of the autonomy of Yoruba nation without infringing on the rights of other ethnic nationalities.
A statement by Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, chairman of the External Affairs Committee of Oodua Action Movement (OAM), globally coordinated by Otunba Demola Edward, said the proposed conference will be one of a kind in the history of the region.
According to him, the conference will discuss the modalities to be used to achieve the aims and objectives of the region which is autonomy for the Yoruba nation.
“We are entitled to our rights. There is an urgent need for a referendum as a genuine reason for us to know the basis for our existence. We are going to set the ball rolling in actualisation of Yoruba nation” he said
He however enjoined all Yoruba groups in Nigeria and the diaspora that have genuine interest of the region at heart to register with the External Affairs Coordinator of the Oodua Action Movement for proper planning.
“Those to speak at the conference will include notable Yoruba leaders like Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Banji Akintoye, Chief Sunday Igboho, Afenifere leaders, Aare Ona Kakanfo, Otunba Gani Adams, opinion leaders and traditional rulers in the South West to be led by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi among others,” he said.
“Let me say here that some distinguished leaders in the South West will also be honoured at the proposed conference” he said.
“On behalf of the Yoruba nation, therefore, and in respectful cognizance of the expressed demands and desires of the Yoruba people, and of countless organizations, leaders and fathers of the Yoruba nation, we are saying that the Yoruba nation’s autonomy must be a reality.
“There is need for self determination of Yoruba nation that would guarantee speedy and monumental development of the region and that nothing would stop the Yoruba nation from attaining an autonomous status within or without Nigeria,” Ologunloluwa stressed
He therefore commended Chief Sunday Igboho and Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for the quit notice given to the Fulani herdsmen in Oyo and Ondo states saying the Fulani invasion of the South West has destroyed the region as majority of Nigerians no longer have faith in this country again.
“This is no longer the Nigeria of the dream of the founding fathers. Since majority of Nigerians no longer have faith in being together again, the best solution is for people to go their different ways. But we have resolved not to do it in a chaotic manner.
“The killing and kidnapping by the Fulani herdsmen in the South West must be stopped. Enough is enough,” he added.