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By Kenny EMMANUEL
A group under the auspices of Yoruba National Youths both Home and Diaspora, has declared that their quest for Yoruba Nation self-determination is non-negotiable.
They vowed to deploy all means to ensure the realization of their dreams.
In a joint statement signed by the Yoruba National Youth Leader Diaspora, Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa and Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole, the group enjoined all Yoruba at home and in diaspora to support the ongoing efforts of the youths towards liberating the people of Yorubaland.
The Youths condemned the statement credited to the National Chairman of the Apostles of Jagaban, Chief Gilbert Olokesusi, who cautioned History Professor Banji Akintoye, over his role in the Yoruba Nation agitation.
Olokesusi had reminded Akintoye about the manhunt launched by the police for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, a suspected sponsor of the invasion of the Oyo State government secretariat in Ibadan by some Yoruba Nation agitators.
The group described Chief Gilbert Olokesusi statement, as reckless adding that “there is no going back on the demand of autonomy for Yoruba Nation which would allow the region to manage its resources and develop at its own pace.
The youths condemned in strong terms the provocative statement from Olokesusi and gave the Federal government June 30th, 2024, ultimatum to end killing, kidnapping by Fulani Herdsmen in Yoruba land.
They however, condemned in strong terms the move and plans by some monarchs and stakeholders on May 2nd, 2024 to jettison the aspirations of the people of Yorubaland on Yoruba Nation autonomy for restructuring.
“We want to say clearly that we the real Yoruba National Youths campaigner, are not aware of a conference which was held on May 2nd between the South West Yorubaland monarchs and stakeholders.
“We are using this opportunity to inform Afenifere that the conference meeting where you all sat in order to plan for the unity of Yoruba land is not yet complete if we the real youth’s campaigners are not among.
“It simply means that you Afenifere and Yoruba politicians are playing politics on our intelligence in order to negotiate for restructuring with the Nigeria federal government.
The youths also condemned in its entirety the destruction of shops and the disruption of the economic activities of Yoruba people in Ile Epo, in Agege by bands of Hausa and Fulani hoodlums during the last disturbances in that part of Lagos adding that it was unacceptable.
“These same hoodlums prevented access of fire brigades to burning shops and merchandise, thereby all affected shops and merchandise were completely burnt and destroyed by fire, making it impossible for any to be salvaged.
“The retreat of police men from the scene because law officers were completely overwhelmed and overpowered due to the sheer numbers of arms and other dangerous weapons being carried by these Fulani and Hausa hoodlums.
“We however note with regrets the policemen’s confession that they could not confront the hoodlums but quit the scene without making any arrests among the hoodlums.
“This is a cause for regrets because the police force is simply admitting its failure in combating crime, thereby indirectly encouraging further attacks on Yoruba people and their economic interests.
“We consider this unacceptable. We believe no one should be made to feel they are above the laws of the country.
The Yoruba National Youths commended the efforts of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi for identifying with Yoruba Nation autonomy.
“We the Yoruba Nation Youths both at home and diaspora commended you our Revered Kabiyesi, the Ooni of Ife, for your statement that the Unity of the Yoruba Race is non-negotiable for the advancement of the South-West Region.
They however cautioned the leaders and Afenifere not to be an impediment in the actualization of Yoruba Nation saying they will continue to fight for self-determination for the Yoruba Nation until it becomes a reality.
They said that “there is no way restructuring can work in Nigeria because over 29,000 Yoruba farmers have been killed by the Fulani Herdsmen in Yorubaland within Buhari and Tinubu tenure and are still counting, so how will restructuring work in Nigeria?
“It is crystal clear that we cannot continue to live in fear in our own region, something needs to be done.
“We, therefore, call on all security agents in South West and well-meaning individuals to rise up and hold the bull by the horns to fight this darkness that is enveloping our region.
“If we the Yoruba Nation Youths can’t decide on our own, then tell me how Yorubaland will become great, when you, our parents said we are the leaders of tomorrow so which means you all are lying to us.
“We the youths condemn the unity conference meeting. No Yoruba youth was present at the meeting in other to speak in their interest
“We are appealing to the Afenifere to stop using the Yoruba Nation youths to negotiate with Nigeria government for the organisation’s selfish interest
“We therefore call on the Nigeria government to begin the process for an autonomous Yoruba nation as a federating unit in Nigeria.
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