▪︎Says Nigeria, Yoruba nation’s security constitute emergency assignment
▪︎Nigeria’s system of govt has failed us- Alaafin
▪︎Declare support for one Nigeria.
By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The Oluwo of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has described the security situation in Yorubaland and Nigeria as an emergency assignment for the government, stakeholders and traditional rulers.
Concerned by the fragility of the security threat to the nation and the recent herder-farmers’ clashes in Yorubaland, Oluwo said the sacrifices of “our forefathers who fought relentlessly to establish a united nation shouldn’t be wasted.”
He made the disclosure on Monday while paying a courtesy visit to the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Iku Baba Yeye, Alayeluwa, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Olayiwola II.
Alaafin lamented the wicked acts of some Fulani herders who have killed innocent Yoruba on their land.
He equally expressed disatisfaction over the destruction of Yoruba farms by herders, noting the urgent need for the federal government to move the police force from the exclusive list to concurrent list in line with the Nigeria’s Federal System of Government in operation.
Oba Adeyemi stated that the system of government in the country has failed, tasking citizens to hold elected and appointed office holders who control the country’s allocation and resources accountable and stop imputing blame on traditional institution without security votes.
Oba Adeyemi commended the Oluwo for his uncompromising efforts at sustaining one Nigeria.
Oba Akanbi appealed to the Yoruba to apply wisdom in their agitation for a divided country, saying there is strength in our diversity.
He further enjoined the Yoruba to drum support for Yoruba presidency under one Nigeria and not beating drum of division.
He challenged secessionists to recall their federal legislators in their zone, saying doing so would “convince us they need a new nation of their own.”
He condemned the uncouth statements against Yoruba monarchs by a section of the Agitators.
He enjoined those in the category to exercise caution in their approach.
He further called on the Alaafin of Oyo to lead a united umbrella of Yoruba Council of Obas.
According to Oluwo “Nigeria was created by the sacrifices of our forefathers. They committed their lives to nurture the baby from infant. The baby has matured with ailing soul. We all acknowledge their is problem but must we throw away a child with bathing water?
“The child I brought to you is an emergency case. The child is in Intensive Care Unit. I implore you to take the lead, treat the child and ensure his timely recuperation. You are an encyclopedia of Yoruba traditional rulers.
“The failure and disunity among Yoruba monarchs is disturbing. It has given some Yoruba sons and daughters the certificate to abuse their monarchs on social media with unprintable names.
“Unarguably, the state of the nation is fragile and very delicate. Dividing Nigeria at this critical time is a loss to the Yorubaland. We can’t go back to start afresh after years of sacrifices. Instead, we should dissipate such energy on ensuring Yoruba produce the next president that understand and can address our weaknesses.”
In his reaction, Oba Adeyemi stated “Nigeria is under weak system. The system is no more working. Nigeria’s system of government is failing most especially on the security. Security should not be under exclusive legislative list. I’ve attended several fora where security issues are discussed but I used to challenge our state governors. Security wise, they are toothless.
“If the Inspector General of Police orders for the release of a suspect, no state governor can reverse such order. We have put machineries in place and arrested many kidnappers who are Fulanis. We handled them to the police but many of them were later released. This calls for sober reflection.
“The agitation for a one Nigeria is noted in the activities of Oluwo. His assignment to lead a united Council of Yoruba Obas is equally noted. The call for ensuring Yoruba produce the next president is a collective assignment. We will defend our land (Yorubaland) while we lend a voice to one Nigeria. I hereby declare for one Nigeria.”
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