Afenifere renews call for Nigeria's restructuring

The Yoruba sociocultural and political organisation, Afenifere, on Sunday renewed its call for Nigeria's restructuring, to reflect the true federalism of the pre-1966 era, saying that this is the only way the Yoruba race can actualize its God-given potentials in the country. 

The group, also declared its support to President Bola Tinubu's administration because of his antecedent regarding restructuring of the country, saying that since he is at the driver's seat, he should work towards bringing this life long aspiration to reality. 

The state chapter of the Yoruba ethnic group, also passed vote of confidence in the leadership of Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and also  appreciated all other leaders, living and dead, for their progressive disposition towards the development of Yorubaland.

These were contained in a 9-point communique issued at the end of its meeting held at Aseludero hall, at the Sagamu private residence former Governor Gbenga Daniel and Senator currently representing Ijebu East Senatorial District. 

The group added that it would be acting like the eagle to monitor the economic and social development by the three tiers of government in the Southwest geopolitical zone of the country. 

In attendance at the well attended meeting by members cutting across the 20 Local Governments of the state include, National Organizing Secretary of Afenifere,  Apagun Kole Omololu, Senator Gbenga Daniel represented by Dr Babatunde Onadeko, Otunba Tayo Onayemi, nonagenarian Awoist, Otunba (Dr) Samuel Ayinde Ibikunle, State Chairman of Afenifere, Dr Niyi Osoba, State Secretary, Mr. Wale Adedayo, traditional rulers, wards, local government and Senatorial leaders among others. 

They emphasized the need to engage the traditional rulers in Yorubaland on the indiscriminate selling of lands to non-indigenes with a view to arrest the situation. 

The communique reads:"We reaffirm our commitment to the unity and development of Yorubaland.

"We need to act like the eagle to monitor economic and social development by the tiers of government in our land.

"We remain resolute that Chief Reuben Fasoranti is our leader. In the same vein, we also appreciate all our leaders, living and dead, for their progressive disposition towards the development of Yorubaland.

"Afenifere is the second oldest political group in Africa, as South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) is the first one. We pledge to continue in the ways of our founding fathers notably, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

"We reaffirm that Nigeria needs to be restructured so that the Yoruba Nation can achieve its full potentials. 

"There is need to engage with Baales and Obas about the indiscriminate sale of land to non-indigenes.

"We'll work with those concerned to reinvigorate the speaking of Yoruba Language among our young children. Our language must be cherished. We must protect and promote Yoruba Language. 

"Yoruba culture and traditions must also be cherished. We'll work towards ensuring that Yoruba culture and traditions are not trampled under foot.

"We'll work with relevant stakeholders to ensure security for our people in the face of harassment and killing of rural farmers by suspected Fulani herdsmen, for instance in Imeko Afon Local Government."