Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said Yoruba people must remain united if they hope to achieve the much-desired growth in the South West.
The Governor, who was represented at the public presentation of an autobiography titled Awo, by his Deputy, Engineer Rauf Olaniyan, said without unity there cannot be development.
The book was translated to Yoruba by Mr. Alao Adedayo, the Publisher of Alaroye Newspaper.
The
Governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo
Adisa, decried the security challenges in the Yoruba speaking states and in the
nation in general.
According to him, collaboration and exchange of ideas among the South West
States would enhance efforts geared towards tackling insecurity.
He also urged Yoruba to remain united, adding that by speaking in one voice the
forces of darkness attempting to overwhelm the region would be defeated.
Also
speaking at the public presentation, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi
(III), said vices such as kidnapping, harassments from herdsmen and other
criminality have enveloped Yoruba land.
He said: “What is worrisome is that most of the herdsmen perpetrating
these criminal activities are alleged to be non-Nigerians, but migrants from
some West African countries.
“The Yoruba are proud of their harmonious relationship with indigenous
Fulani.”
The monarch also stated that the solution to the current security challenges
lies in restructuring of our federal system, noting that the central government
is too powerful.
In his contribution at the event, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani
Adams, said the Yoruba were against Federal Government’s proposed cattle
ranches in the South West states and other Yoruba- speaking towns and villages
in Kogi and Kwara states.
He also cautioned Governors of the South West states against ceding any portion
of their land for the purpose of Cattle ranch adding that everyone must close
ranks to tackle insecurity.
Some of the dignitaries at the event include the Olubadan of Ibadanland,
Oba Saliu Adetunji, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Prof. Bamiji Akintoye,
a representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Chief
Kessington Adebutu, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and the Chairman of African Newspapers of
Nigeria, PLC, Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu among many other Yoruba
leaders.