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Tag: Yoruba

  • Yoruba take cultural renaissance to Ghana, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire

    Yoruba take cultural renaissance to Ghana, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire

    Major cities in Ghana, Togo, Cote d ‘Ivoire and other cities in the West African coast recently had a full dose of Yoruba culture and tradition when several culture enthusiasts and monarchs stormed the cities as part of a 32-man strong team for the launch of the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), a pan-Yoruba group for Yoruba people in the Diaspora.

    On the team were four traditional rulers from Yoruba land- Oba Joseph Adeoye Adewole, the Owa Ajero of Ijero kingdom, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Zaki of Arigidi, Ondo State, Oba Walidu Sanni, the  Onigedegede of Igedegede, Ondo State and Oba  Lasisi Olawuyi, the Asagangan of Igangan, Oyo State.

    Other dignitaries on the team included Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and convener of the OPU; Captain Adetokunbo Adesina; Yoruba actor, Yomi Fash–Lanso; MC kirikiri and other notable members of the OPC.

    In each of these cities, the Yoruba joyfully received the team with the wonderful display of cultural dance, drumming, chants which enchanted and attracted the citizens of the countries to the venues

    The cultural evangelization kicked off on Friday,  September 11  in  the city of Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire , a country where Yoruba constitute 2.5 million of the population. Otunba Adams led the delegates to the warm embrace of the Nigerian Ambassador , Mrs. Ifeoma Jacinite Akabogu – Chinwuba,  who,  together with members of the embassy, held a red carpet reception for the visiting Yoruba cultural revivalists.

    Otunba Adams explained the mission of his delegates to the ambassador. “We are not here for political reason. Far from it. We are neither here for self – determination tendencies, but we are here to stoke and re- kindle the dying embers of the pristine Yoruba cultural values and heritage which are tending towards extinction, particularly among the Yoruba  in the Diaspora, “he said.

    He continued: “We realise that Cote D ‘Ivoire harbours a substantial percentage of Yoruba, some of who  cannot  speak their mother’s language or exhibit their cultural values.  Some here have lost contact with history, culture and norms of their ancestors. This is why we are here in accordance with the mission bestowed on us by Oduduwa  and the necessity of saving members of the Yoruba race  from cultural extinction.“

    Adams explained the difference between the OPC and OPU. “The OPC is a self-determination group solely  to protect the territorial integrity of Yoruba within the political geography of Nigeria  and within Nigeria, while the  OPU  is a socio – cultural organisation saddled with the responsibility of re- awakening and resuscitating the dying embers of pristine Yoruba culture among the Yoruba in the Diaspora. It is non- political and non –militant, “he said.

    Oba Adewole also gave an insight into the cultural revival  mission of the OPU. He said: “ This association is to save our race from cultural doom. It is an association which has received the backing  and blessing of the oba and chiefs in Yoruba land. Thus, we are here  with Otunba Adams  in support and in alliance with his stride to revive and sustain the cultural heritage and value of our race.”

    Ambassador Akabogu – Chinwuba,  in her response, commended Otunba Adams for “ coming out at this time to wake up his people from cultural slumber.   I  have read the mission statement of the association and I believe Otunba Adams is on the right path of history. “

    The ambassador  gave her blessing to the  inauguration of the union.  “I am sure and confident that the OPU as an association will not only help in cultural revival of the Yoruba value, but also serve as a coordinating platform for members of the race and an institution of behavioural adherence“

    Ambassador Akabogu – Chinwuba, who presented a plaque of honour to Otunba Adams and other four traditional rulers, declared her support for the union. “We are here at the embassy for the protection and welfare of Nigerians here. We cannot and shall not shy away from this responsibility. We assure the OPU of our support and assistance now and always as our doors are opened for progressive associations and unions which strive to add value and shore up the image of Nigeria. I welcome you to Cote D ‘ivoire and wish you a successful inauguration of the OPU in Abidjan,“she said.

    Welcoming the Oodua cultural revivalists to Sport  De Treichville, Abidjan, where a mass of gaily-dressed Yoruba and their friends had gathered for the inauguration of the OPU, Mr kareem Nasir  Adeolu, Coordinator, OPU and President Yoruba Community in Cote D’ivore, declared that: “This is one of our finest moments in the life of over 2.5 million Yoruba in Cote D ‘Ivoire. This is the first time in the history of our sojourning here when a Yoruba son will lead eminent Yoruba obas and dignitaries to address us not for political reason, but solely on cultural heritage and values . We are most grateful for this and we delightfully welcome Otunba Adams , his entourage and the OPU  wholeheartedly to our midst.”

    He commended Otunba Adams for “bringing to us a cultural association which will further cement and fasten the chord of brotherhood amongst the Yoruba in Cote D ‘Ivoire.”

    Otunba Adams, while inaugurating the OPU Cote D ‘Ivoire  on Saturday,  September 12, pointed out that: “This is a clarion call upon all of  you to remember, embrace, perpetuate and display  your cultural antecedent and value and ensured its passage to the next generations,  so that generations unborn will not lose their identity to foreigners.“

    He charged members of the OPU to “always keep in mind that you are the image of Yoruba. You are the light of the race and cultural ambassadors of Yoruba  whatever your conduct and traits here.”

    Mr Olumuyiwa Ogundeme, Consular  Officer ,Nigerian Embassy, Cote D ‘Ivoire, who  represented  Ambassador   Akabogu – Chinwuba,  while commending Otunba Adams said  that “ I am glad Otunba Adam is going all over  the world, singing it loud and clear to the ears of Yoruba people the need to  embrace  and revive their cultural values which constitute their identity at the comity of nations. I am also assuring you that the embassy is willing to support the OPU in its activities and others positive acts which will bring honour to the race and Nigeria.“

    The story was the same in Ghana where the team was warmly received by the Yoruba community with pomp and pageantry. The President of the Yoruba community in Ghana, Chief Musa Baba, hosted the group in his posh house in Accra to a memorable dinner.

    Chief Baba pointed out that: “We have also read a lot about the OPU and quite appreciate and understand what it stands for. You are the cultural messiah that the Yoruba has been waiting for. Like you did with the OPC, we are sure you will do more and you have started doing more than enough with the OPU. We are more than ready for this wonderful race-saving association.“

    Chief Baba, on behalf of the Yoruba community in Ghana, later presented a plaque to Otunba Adams.

    At the formal launch of the group, the Hall 2 of the National Arts Theatre, Liberia Road which was filled to capacity on Friday, September 18.

    Ghana-based Nigerian lecturer, Professor Raheem Kolawole, who teaches at the Winneba University, Ghana, was on hand to add colour to the show.

    The acting Co-ordinator of the OPU in Ghana, Mr Kayode Siyanbola, was full of praises for the visiting team. He said: “I thank you all, especially Otunba Adams, giving us the courage and the necessary support in bringing out the strength in us to promote our culture and heritage and in hosting you today. “

    In Togo, the Yoruba community refused to be outshined by their kinsmen in Ghana. And so, they turned out in large numbers at the beautifully-decorated hall at the Palaise De Congress De Lome, Republic of Togo, on Sunday, September 20 for the inauguration.

    The inauguration of the OPU in Togo was spearheaded by His Royal Majesty, Oba Alhaji Kareem Afolabi, Amoloko 1 of Togo, who is the paramount oba of Yoruba in Togo.

    The Nigerian ambassador in Togo, Mr Gilbert Nnaji, added colour to the inauguration and commended Adams for upholding and promoting the culture and tradition of Yoruba.

    Ambassador Nnaji, who was visibly elated by the inauguration of the OPU , said: “I am opportune to share the same table with  Otunba Adams, a great Nigerian and a Yoruba icon.”

    He congratulated the Yoruba community in Togo. “I congratulate you for having a purposeful union which is set to stoke the dying embers of the pristine Yoruba culture and tradition which  the race is not only identified, but which stands them out in any community.“

    Six-year-old Akinpelu  Seinat stole the show when she recited a popular poem to the admiration of the crowd.

    Otunba Adams, in his speech, pointed out that, “this  chapter makes the number of the OPU chapters 61._ I must commend you for your brilliance at planning and wonderful implementation which should be the benchmark for the OPU in Togo.“

  • ‘Yoruba won’t regret voting for Buhari’

    ‘Yoruba won’t regret voting for Buhari’

    A former member of the House of Representatives and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bode Mustapha, has decried Senator Femi Okunrounmu on his comments on President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said only him and his cohorts in the Southwest were not comfortable with the Buhari administration.

    Okunrounmu, the chairman of the defunct Presidential Advisory Committee on the National Conference, was reported to have said among other things that the Yoruba would regret voting for President Buhari and the APC.

    Speaking at the weekend, Mustapha, an ex-national auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the director-general of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun Campaign Organisation in the governorship election, dismissed Okunrounmu’s outburst as one coming from “an inconsistent and a self-serving politician.”

    Addressing reporters in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, he assured that the Yoruba would not regret voting for Buhari and the APC.

    He described Okunrounm’s criticism of Buhari and the appointment he made as “childish and premature,” expressing confidence that the Yoruba would “get the best out of the present government.”

  • Yoruba culture light up Dublin

    Yoruba culture light up Dublin

    A new chapter of the Odua Progressive Union (OPU) has been inaugurated in Dublin, Ireland to promote, enhance and sell the pristine Yoruba culture particularly among the Diaspora.

    The ceremony attracted hundreds of Yoruba people who turned out in colourful traditional attires.

    Impressed by the event, Mr John Smith, a guest at the Lucan Spa Hotel, Dublin, venue of the event, couldn’t help but marvel at the various designs and colourful constellations of traditional attires and cultural dances exhibited.

    He said: “This is very colourful. I am endeared to this country Nigeria and the Yoruba race in particular. I know that Dublin harbours a sizeable number of Nigerians but this is my very first time of seeing so beautiful and colourful side of Nigerians.”

    The Yoruba in Dublin, who have been eager to showcase Nigerian cultural identity, utilised the opportunity to bring out their best attire and display their dancing steps at the launch of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), which is a socio-cultural association initiated by Otunba Gani Adam, the National coordinator of Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), to stimulate and revive the pristine Yoruba culture and tradition among the Diaspora.

    The association, which has been founded in over 52 countries of the world, was again inaugurated in Ireland to the embrace and acceptance of the Yoruba who believed that such an association was long overdue.

    OPU Ireland Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Saheed, commended Otunba Adams for his untiring efforts at ensuring the revitalisation and rejuvenation of Yoruba culture, arts and tourism assets among the Diaspora Yoruba .

    “I must specially thank and commend Otunba Gani Adam who has risen stoutly beyond politics and personal consideration this time around and embark on the voyage of Yoruba cultural evangelisation   and revivalism all over the world . This has become imperative because of the dangerous trend of extinction which our cultural values , language and identity has been trekking lately,” he said.

    Saheed said: “The fact is that this kind of association was long overdue mainly because some of us here have not only been displaced psychologically but we have allowed the material and social circumstances of our new environment to rob off our culture identity, value and sense of perception. This is why is why some of us are here to identify with the mission of Otunba Adams on OPU and ready to stoke the fire of the vision with all our energy, strength and material resources “

    Saheed commended other coordinators from Europe, America and Britain led by Akogun Banji Ojo for witnessing the inauguration of OPU Ireland Chapter.

    He added: “I will once again assure all in this hall, particularly Otunba Adams, who is here with two other royal fathers from Nigeria, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, the Zaki of Arigidi Akoko and Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, the Ajero of Ijero Ekiti State that we members of OPU Ireland will not only engage in acts that will tarnish the image of Nigeria, nether shall we involve in any act that will stain the integrity of the Yoruba race but especially we shall do everything positively humanly possible to promote , enhance and spread the traditional values and culture of Yoruba race“

    Oba Adewole and Oba Olanipekun, who were at the event, lauded the people for making the race proud by their attires and traditional costumes.

    They urged people of Yoruba ancestry living abroad not to forget their roots but to also ensure their children speak, dance and imbibe the Yoruba culture.

    The Ajero of Ijero said: “Your birth and time has placed on your shoulders the role to ensure that your children imbibe our culture and know the values which has brought you this far. Any attempt by you in not doing this may warrant on us generational curses by the time our great grand children are living without identity “

    He charged the Yoruba in Ireland to hold their head high and flaunt the traditional values and culture of their pedigree.

    Otunaba Adams commended Saheed for his temerity of purpose and organisational ability by holding a beautiful event and “convincing all of us here particularly the delegate from Nigeria to be here today,”

    Otunba Adams, who made a clarification between Oodua People’s Congress, O(PC) and Oodua Progressive Union, (OPU) said: “I must enlighten all about the difference between Oodua Progressive Union, OPU and Oodua People’s Congress, OPC. Oodua People’s Congress is a Nigerian based organisation ready to fight and agitate for the protection of the territorial integrity and political respect of Yoruba race while Oodua Progressive Union is out to promote, enhance and sell the pristine Yoruba culture, particularly among the Diaspora. You cannot be members of both. If you want to be OPC you cannot be OPU. OPU is culturally inclined with every sense of responsibility while OPC is for agitation via responsible militancy and strident advocacy for our race’s right.”

    “OPU is not political but purely for the propagation of our cultural values, assets and promotion of our pristine tourism assets for profitability and acceptance. That is why we lay emphasis on celebration and showcasing of our culture whenever OPU is inaugurated. This is because we must show the part of what they should come to Yoruba land to see ,“ he stressed.

    Mr Femi Daviesof Metroline news blog, described the inauguration of the OPU Ireland chapter as a testimony to the global appreciation of the efforts of Otunba Adams Cultural Revolution and his global acceptance as a world-class cultural idol whose acts are recognised san Nigerian’s border .

    “OPU Ireland inauguration was a plus to Nigeria and a good one from the stable of Otunba Gani Adams. I was elated by the comments and responses of Dubliners who were fortunate to see Yoruba culture on display. It brought out one single fact, that if well packaged, Nigeria culture can sell Nigeria better and can also attract the right people and investment to Nigeria,” he added.

  • ‘Female circumcision most prevalent among Yoruba’

    ‘Female circumcision most prevalent among Yoruba’

    Of all the regions in the country, more women are circumcised in the Southwest, it has emerged.

    The co-ordinator, Good Health and Community Development (CSJGHCD), Mr Abiodun Oyeleye, revealed this at a one-day conference on reduction of harmful traditional and cultural practices.

    The conference was organised by CSJGHCD with the support of Australian Ggovernment under Direct Aid Programme (DAP) at Bodija, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mrs Roseleen Akinroye, said more than 125 million girls and women have been cut in 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East.

    According to her, as many as 30 million girl are at  risk of being cut before their 15th birthday if current trends continue.

    She noted that UNICEF has been working with government and civil society partners towards the elimination of female genital mutilation.

    The UNICEF representative said: ”The 2013 NDHS reports that 25 per cent of women in Nigerian undergo circumcision of which 82 per cent had it before their 5th birthday although with regional variations from state to state. The highest prevalence of 76.6 per cent is fou nd in Osun State and this is higher than the prevalence of 55 per cent for the Yoruba people. Although  11 state government has passed the law prohibiting female genital mutilation, but enforcement is still lacking in Nigeria, as no parent or circumcisers has been prosecuted. Many reasons have been adduced for the continued perpetuation of the act, which include: reduction of sexual desire in females, ensuring husband’s sexual pleasure, promoting social integration and initiation of girls into womanhood.”

    Mrs Akinroye suggested that the practice could be curbed through  legislation, increase awareness and provision of prevention and protection services.

    Oyeleye  said 55 per cent of women who have been cut in Nigeria are Yoruba. Igbo women are next with 45 per cent.

    According to him, 32 per cent of urban women are circumcised, as compared with 19 per cent of rural women.

    “There are also  urban-rural differences in the proportion of women who had cutting with flesh removed 65 per cent and 60 per cent respectively. In Nigeria, 68 per cent of women and 57 per cent of men who have heard of female circumcision believe that the practice is not required. Overall, men are more likely than women to think that female circumcision is required by their religion,” he said

    He also called for implementation of legislative provisions and stern measures to prohibit the practice.

    “Implementation of the laws prohibiting FGM in all the Southwest States, Development of alternative source of income for circumcisers and strong advocacy campaigns against the practice,” Oyeleye said

    The representative of the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Latoria Dabiri-Mpamugo, said his country shared the concern over the harmful traditional and cultural practices which take place against women and girls in Southwest.

    “Australia has joined global efforts to combat these harmful practices,including supporting the unanimous United Nations General Assembly resolution in December last year calling for intensified efforts to eliminate FGM wherever it occurs,” she said.

  • ‘Tinubu’s undisputed Yoruba leader’

    ‘Tinubu’s undisputed Yoruba leader’

    Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in Ogun State Chief Babatunde Fadun has explained why the party crashed out in the general elections, his defection to All Progressives Congress (APC) and the re-election of Governor Ibikunle Amosun. The former Ogun West senatorial candidate described the political tie between the North and the West as an enduring solution to political instability in the country. He spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN.

    What was responsible for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s loss in the general elections?

    There were so many reasons for the party’s defeat. PDP failed because of its culture of impunity, use and dump; lack of internal democracy and disrespect for fairness, equity and justice. At a stage the party was commercialised under the former Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Under him justice went to the highest bidder. Many members were frustrated and punished unjustly.

    Will you attribute the defeat to the performance of President Goodluck Jonathan?

    Yes poor performance of President Jonathan contributed largely to the defeat. There is no substantial achievement that he can point at except the resuscitation of the old generation railway. I can lay my hands on anything he has done other than the entrenchment of impunity and favouritism in the system. His inability to take prompt decisions when necessary contributed to his failure. He runs administration of committees. He set up so many committees which show his weakness and lack of direction.

    Why are you leaving PDP for All Progressives Congress (APC)?

    Many aggrieved highly placed members have left the PDP. Remember, it started with seven governors usually referred to as G7 who pulled out because of what they called lack of internal democracy within the party. Although two of them, Governors Babangida Aliyu of Niger State and his brother from Jigawa, Sule Lamido went back to PDP for selfish interest, the remaining five Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto) Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and AbdulFattah Ahmed (Kwara) stood their ground and called it a quit with PDP. These governors contributed immensely to the victory of APC. Generally, Nigerians were tired of poor leadership and arrogance of the PDP leaders, hence the party was voted out.

    When are you making formal declaration for APC?

    I will do that very soon. It’s not me alone. My supporters and I have resolved to move en-mass to APC, the party of the moment, the party that Nigerians are celebrating, the party that will bring a lot of hope for Nigerians.

    Why did you prefer APC among other parties?

    The leadership qualities of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu make APC to be attractive. He was the brain behind the merger of major opposition parties that transformed into APC.  He has performed a miracle; a new party put together within one year defeated the ruling party. It has never happened in this country for an opposition party to unseat the ruling party. Tinubu should take credit for that feat. Tinubu is a political giant of our time. He is a national leader. No Yoruba man can rival him. The Afenifere leaders should face the reality, they should accept him as our leader. The Yorubas should not ask who their leader is. Tinubu is the undisputed leader. He delivered five out of six states in Yorubaland to the APC during the presidential election. What else can be used to determine the leadership of Yoruba race?

    The political tie between the North and the Southwest is an antidote to political instability. With this realignment, there will be stability and the country will achieve tremendous progress.

    Do you think Ogun West stands a better chance of producing governor in 2019?

    We are hopeful that the next governor would emerge from Ogun West Senatorial District in 2019. Governor Amosun has expressed at different forum that he will support an indigene of Ogun West to succeed him in office. We sincerely pray that the governor will help us in this age-long struggle.  We are optimistic that whoever the governor support in 2019 will win. Our hope lies on Governor Amosun and we are optimistic that he will reciprocate the total support we gave him in his re-election bid.

    Since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, Ogun West has never produced governor. In 2011, both the PDP and Progressives Party of Nigeria (PPN) led by former Governor Gbenga Daniel picked their governorship candidates from Ogun West. This year again, PDP fielded an Ogun West indigene for governorship, so also the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

    How would you assess the performance of Amosun?

    He has transformed Ogun state within four years. He turned Ogun into a giant construction site. There is no part of the state that has not benefitted from his massive road construction. He has also done well in the field of education with the construction of model classrooms across the state and provision of health facilities.

    The landslide victory he recorded in the governorship election is a testimony of his service delivery. The wide margin showed that he was a man of the people. He won the election convincingly despite the crisis within APC that led a faction to pull out. I think this will encourage him to do more in his second term.

    Are you worried with the development in Ekiti State?

    It is unfortunate that Governor Ayo Fayose has turned Ekiti State known to be one of the most peaceful states in the country, to a theatre of violence. I thought he would be wiser now given his first experience in office as governor, but he is not. His passion for hate campaign is a case in point. He bank rolled the hate campaign against the president-elect Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to curry favour from President Jonathan so that he can be protected when he runs into trouble. He is a political rabble-rouser, he thrives on political violence.

    I understand he fell out with Asiwaju Tinubu in 2011 over senatorial ticket. He ran to Labour Party and lost the election. He went back to PDP and won the governorship primaries and the governorship election. Today PDP has been relegated from national to regional party with its stronghold in Southeast and Southsouth. When the chips are down both Fayose and Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State would soon realise that their political relevance have diminished. Fayose may have to seek refuge in APC. I will not be surprised if Fayose runs back to Tinubu whom I believe will accept him as a prodigal son.

    What is your advice to the in-coming administration of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari?

    Gen Buhari is a highly experienced statesman with high integrity. I will advise him to work closely with his party leaders and implement the party programmes. He should not allow people whose motive is to enrich themselves in his government. He should not hesitate to apply sanctions against those found wanting no matter their status. That will assist in his fighting corruption.

  • Yes, the Yoruba have kept faith

    Yes, the Yoruba have kept faith

    It is necessary in the light of my previous appeal to the Yoruba nation and especially considering the conduct and consequences of the last Presidential Election to revisit my position. In my article, I posted the popular belief that the Yoruba never picked the crumbs. I was jolted by the responses, mostly favourable which I received from across the nation, some in print media, and many more in the social media.

    My position then was, and still is, that the Yoruba as a nation has never been opportunistic; they give fair hearing to all contestants in a dispute and they apportion blame or right whichever is appropriate. The results of the last election must be a lasting lesson to many Yoruba leaders especially octogenarians, who despite their age, experience and exposure chickened out like banana fruits. These people have deceived us for a long time with their assumed posture as progressives, activists and welfarists. Up till today, some swear by Awolowo’s name. the question is why should these people fall prey to the entirement and maneuvers of mischievous politicians? Is it poverty? No, it can’t. Is it greed? Yes, it could be. Is it envy or perceived enemy within the Yoruba nation? Most probably.

    The carrots thrown up about the last Confab that the resolutions would be implemented has earned them the sticks. None of our leaders needs to be deceived that it is only the National Assembly, and at least two thirds of State Assemblies can effect any change in the constitution of the land.

    Many Yoruba leaders including this writer cautioned these people into attempting to put into the compartment the whole nation. That we, as a people, have never been known to speak with one single voice. That we inherit a culture of high integrity and diversification of views. That we never sleep in one room, all facing one direction.

    The above position was borne out vividly during the Awolowo days. Sure, Awolowo had his Ayo Fasanmis, Akin Omoboriowos, Sam Alukos but so he had his S. G. Ikokus, A. U. Umoren, he also had his J. S. Tarkas and Olawonyins who operated freely in their environment and who gave necessary advice to the leadership of their party. Hence, the Awolowo group though mainly in South/Western Nigeria also had its tentacies in the Cross Rivers that now constitute Cross-River and Rivers State. The party also was substantially represented in what is now Middle Belt Region especially Kwara, Kogi, Plateau and Benue.

    Let us admit it, the voting pattern for the various major nationalities that constitute the Nigeria nation shows the culture, the openness, the healthy diversity and civic orientation of the Yoruba people. In the elections in South/West, APC scored 2,433, 193 while the PDP made 1,821,416. In almost all of the States that constitute the zone, the two main parties achieved the minimum requirement of 25%. That is how it should be. But the story is different in the South/South, South/East and North/West in particular where some candidates scored less than 5% of the votes cast in some States. The efforts of the do-gooder leaders and self appointed Yoruba crusaders fail to measure up to civilized behaviour.

    Now looking ahead, the new Federal Administration should be inclusive. Some people have already been biting their fingers for their brazen and thoughtless mindset. A situation should be avoided by Gen. Buhari whreby a group could corner 70% of Senior Management positions in government. A recent story in one of the national dailies indicated that out of fifty top positions in the Federal setup, the Yoruba occupy only two while a particular nationality had above twenty –five. Nigeria is a country of nationalities and should be so represented in all organs of government especially at senior political and public service levels.

    Another thing which the incoming administration should have a good look at is the allocation of resources at Federal level. Presently, about 85% of the nation’s revenue go to recurrent expenditure comprising mainly salaries, wages, other benefits and overheads. In a country crying for development, this is unacceptable. In particular wages and other benefits that are now enjoyed by National Assembly men deserve public scrutiny. It appears the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has been completely incapacitated that it can no more carry out its constitutional duties. Key of these duties are:  Recommending revenue formula among the three tiers of government to the National Assembly. I am not sure this has been successfully done in the last fifteen years; this is due mainly to the impunity of the occupiers of Aso-Rock who unilaterally alter the figures and ratios recommended by the Commission. The duty of the President is to forward the recommendation to the National Assembly unaltered, but the Executive distorts them.

    One other important duty of RMAFC is to specify the numerations of political office holders and judicial officers of the country. Today nobody knows what our Senators and Members of House of Reps are earning. It is a secret that is not known even to the President. Unconfirmed reports state that a Senator earns more than twenty million naira including other benefits per month. This a atrocious to say the least as  our legislatures represent the highest paid lawmakers in the world. The new administration should roll back this national extraordinary bonanza and let the recommendations of the RMAFC stand.

    As we are now embarking on a new journey, the incoming administration should identify such projects that are of benefit to the Nigerian people and should actively pursue them. Not all aspects of our life were totally bad; some programmes after evaluation should be continued. Meanwhile, our do-gooder and false social activities should step aside for once and let this country move forward. God help new Nigeria.

     

    • Deji Fasuan writes from Ekiti State.

     

  • Re-Jonathan and the Yoruba

    SIR: Dear Egbon, do not bother yourself about a Yoruba man calling you egbon. I am touched by your above message, God will continue enriching your knowledge and wisdom. Our tribes and tongues may differ but come March 28th; the brotherhood of faiths will effect the long awaiting change in this country.

    Mr. President should understand that this country will outlive him and history will not forget his name as the luckiest president who shattered hopes and aspirations of our people. The Almighty God will protect you and your family as labour for the greatness of this country-

     

    • Kenny * <kenlof2005@yahoo.com>

     

  • Yoruba Ronu: These times demand wisdom

    Hubert Ogunde sang his great song, ‘Yoruba Ronu’, at a time of great trial and stress for the Yoruba nation in Nigeria. For us Yoruba, it has been our lot in Nigeria to suffer trials, stress and distress from time to time to time. That is because, having been made part of Nigeria by the British in 1914, we have been forced to live for a whole century in a Nigeria whose standards are weird and unacceptable to us as Yoruba people. To us today, as the Nigerian presidential election of 2015 approaches, the Nigerian situation is not merely weird and unacceptable to us; it absolutely threatens our peace and security.

    Sure, we understand when our political leaders and political activists urge us to focus our attention only on the election that is coming. That is as it should be. As long as we Yoruba as a nation are part of Nigeria, we must be involved in her political processes, and our politically active men and women must do what politicians do in elective politics. They must seek to win our votes and, in the process, they will talk to us as if voting in the coming election is the most important thing in the world.

    But, as one of our proverbs says, even as one’s eyes sheds tears in the act of weeping, one still see through one’s eyes. Today’s situation demands that our politicians must give a big part of their attention to the needs of peace and security in our homeland. They must not ignore the very manifest fact that many prominent citizens in other parts of Nigeria have been talking volubly about violence and war, and that some of such prominent citizens have been importing and amassing weapons of war. Our politicians also must not ignore the stories circulating in recent months that some hostile elements, well armed for destructive purposes, have already entered into our homeland.

    This vigilance and readiness to defend our towns and cities and villages is a duty for all of us, members of the Yoruba nation in Nigeria. It is a duty for all our politicians from all political parties. It is a duty for our traditional rulers and chiefs. It is a duty for all our state governors and state governments. And it is a duty for all of us common citizens.

    As an example of what we should all be doing, a powerful Yoruba intellectual organization, Oodua Foundation (O.F,), headquartered in the United States but with members in various countries of the world, has been very busy mobilising the Yoruba nation towards a peaceful outcome for the Nigerian presidential election.  Oodua Foundation (O.F.) has, since its inception in 2006, adopted a strictly nonpartisan posture. Its objective is to work for the progress and prosperity of the Yoruba nation – as they usually put it in their writings, “within Nigeria if possible, without Nigeria if necessary”.  Their approach to the service of their Yoruba nation is based on a strong foundation of knowledge and facts; and it is tough and hardheaded. They see every prominent Yoruba person as a God-given instrument for the advancement of the Yoruba nation, and they have no interest whatsoever in any kind of partisan divisions among Yoruba people.

    In the past few weeks, they have been intensely busy trying to ensure that, if the presidential election leads to violence, their own Yoruba people must not get involved in the violence. They are calling and holding long-distance conferences with prominent Yoruba leaders and urging everyone to commit himself to the promotion and preservation of peace in Yoruba land. They are in contact with many foreign governments and international agencies.

    They have issued a jingle for airing on radios. And they are now beginning to circulate a Clarion Call, urging their Yoruba nation to exercise full Yoruba wisdom and commonsense in the developing Nigerian situation. Part of the Clarion Call reads:

    From all indications, this coming election seems likely to produce conflicts, violence and bloodshed on a larger scale than ever before in Nigeria’s elections. Many important Nigerian leaders (happily excluding Yoruba leaders) have been threatening violence and war; and many have been importing and amassing dangerous weapons. And, from experience, the Nigerian government is unlikely to have the readiness or ability to contain and stem such violence should it occur: Oodua Foundation calls on all Yoruba in Nigeria to remember that we Yoruba are a freedom-loving people, with ancient and sophisticated political traditions, and that we honour the right of every citizen to support any political party or candidate: Oodua Foundation calls on all Yoruba registered voters to go out dutifully and peacefully to vote on Election Day, and to strictly avoid any kind of violence.

    After we Yoruba have voted for candidates of our choice, we must strictly avoid any kind of violence, and strictly avoid being drawn into any violent act, in any part of the Yoruba homeland in the Southwest, Kwara, Kogi and the Itsekiri part of Delta State: Oodua Foundation calls on the Yoruba nation to resolve now in advance, and to pass it from mouth to mouth in our land, that any Yoruba person who starts or supports violence in any part of Yoruba land shall be regarded as an enemy of the Yoruba nation and be treated as such: Yoruba people are aware that, among the many non-Yoruba Nigerians who reside in Yoruba land, there may be some who may have their own reasons for choosing to instigate, start or support violence. If such should happen anywhere in Yoruba land, we Yoruba owners of our cities, towns and villages must promptly unite together and use our traditional community strength to stop and suppress the violence and to uphold peace.

    We Yoruba should remember the pains we have suffered in the political history of Nigeria, especially in our resistance to Nigeria’s culture of election fraud. We are owners of an ancient, orderly and highly respectable system of selecting our rulers, and consequently, we seriously respect the modern system of elections, and we find it difficult to tolerate election fraud of any kind. But we must remember the losses we have suffered in our resistance to election fraud in various Nigerian elections in the past – the lives and properties that we lost, and the hostile divisions that all were thereby generated in the life of our nation. We must now have the wisdom, as a nation, to recognize that we have always contended against envy, enmity and marginalization in the affairs of Nigeria, and that we have nothing to gain from inflicting pain on ourselves.

    If the violence in other parts of Nigeria continues uncontrollably or if it threatens to spill onto any part of our homeland, thereby threatening the well-being of the nearly 50 million Yoruba people, the leading citizens of our Yoruba nation must immediately set aside any Nigerian political and partisan roles, unite in the interest of our nation, and set in motion serious considerations and measures for safeguarding the peace and well-being of our homeland and people as well as the destiny of our nation. We call, in particular on all Yoruba leaders and functionaries of all political parties and groups, to speak out courageously in support of this clarion call.

  • Jonathan’s love: Neither for Nigeria nor Yoruba nation

    In two days time, Nigerians will have a choice to decide whether to continue enduring the pains inflicted by Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) buccaneers that have continued to wield power and influence over our lives.  March 28 offers us an opportunity to give a verdict on President Goodluck Jonathan who four years ago made a solemn promise “to uphold ‘democracy and rule of law’, ‘banish corruption and its attendant vices, ‘respect human life and human rights’. It is a payback date for Jonathan who beyond self, appears incapable of loving anyone, whether Nigeria in spite of self serving mouthing of ‘for the love of Nigeria’ or the Yoruba nation that made him that he is aiming to turn its land into a battle ground because of his desperate ambition to rule for ten years.

    In 2011, to secure the PDP ticket, President Jonathan after subverting his party’s constitution allegedly doled out $1 billion to PDP governors on the eve of his party’s primary ostensibly for mobilization. For this Saturday election, 2015 election, President Jonathan whose first international engagement after victory was a visit to Uganda’s Powered Museveni, a ruthless dictator in the last 30 years has no opponent in his party’s primaries. All unanimously adopted him.

    In the run up to 2011, Jonathan overlooked the PDP/Halliburton $180m LNG Bonny plant contract scam in deference to his corrupt PDP benefactors. By 2015, stealing in billions has replaced corruption. Thus those PDP stalwarts, their children and their fronts involved in the monumental N1.6 trillion fuel subsidy scam are today busy raising funds and campaigning for Jonathan’s re-election instead of being behind bars.  In fact, about 17 of the 22 PDP elected governors in 1999 that had been indicted by the courts or still in court defending their integrity have been re-integrated back as governors, lawmakers or party officials. In the period, N5b pension fund fraud was uncovered right inside the Head of Government office. One Director of Pensions in the Police Affairs ministry was indicted for stealing N32.5 billion. Of the over 200 banking officials that Sanusi Lamido alleged to have contributed to the collapse of the banking sector, only one, according to him was successfully prosecuted as at the time he was removed from office, over alleged ‘missing’ $20b.

    For four years, Jonathan exploited our ethnic and religious differences. Unidentified suspected Fulani herdsmen mindlessly murdered women and children in their sleep. The president has been tolerant of the assaults of his Ijaw and ethnic irredentist, on critics of his inept leadership. Today as it was in 2011, President Jonathan is urging leaders of different ethnic groups resident in Lagos to join forces to defeat their chief host and owners of Lagos. Yet, Jonathan belongs to the Ijaw nation that regarded Igbo properties in Port Harcourt as abandoned properties 45 years after the civil war.

    For four years when not in Jerusalem or Rome, sometimes accompanied by some dubious members of his cabinet, the president was seen at home moving from churches to synagogues, and dismissing as subversive elements, critics of government and conjuring metaphors of the triumph of Biblical David over Goliath, and the Egyptian enslaved Israelis over powerful Pharaoh. But to the president, his opponents who worship their own God without becoming public nuisance are Islamists bent on Islamising Nigeria. For four years, insurgents operated with little resistance killing over 19,000 innocent Nigerians, turning over 1.5 Nigerians into refugees in their country. About 300 young girls abducted from their dormitories have remained in captivity for close to a year. With crisis in the international oil market, the naira now exchanges for about N220 to one dollar. What a shame!

    But in spite of the baleful legacies of unfulfilled promises, President Jonathan is breaking all rules in a desperate bid for re-election in two days’ time. He has turned Yoruba land into battleground. It is not as if President Jonathan, the master of political subterfuge has ever had anything but contempt for the Yoruba on whose back he rode to power. This finds expression in the fact that besides his chief of staff and the Accountant General of Nigeria, no Yoruba of note featured among the holders of the first fifty important positions in his administration. Dismissing Obasanjo who betrayed Nigeria to make him president as ‘not a statesman but someone not better that a motor park tout”; he identified those who in his judgment should lead the Yoruba nation. They include the likes of Kashamu Buruji, Gbenga Daniel, Fani Kayode, Musliu Obanikoro, Ayo Fayose, Olusegun Mimiko Doyin Okupe and Gani Adams.

    The Jonathan recognized Yoruba leaders say they are ready to deliver the Yoruba votes to Jonathan. Pa Ayo Adebanjo who, some two years back, publicly praised Bola Tinubu for liberating Yoruba land from Obasanjo and PDP has joined forces with Jonathan’s errand boys to say the aspirations of the Yoruba can only be achieved by voting for PDP and President Jonathan who has promised to implement the confab report tucked away along dozen other committee reports until the eve of a national election. But Pa Adebanjo has never struck many people as a successful politician, a successful lawyer or even a successful Awo follower.

    If we see politics as ‘an art of the possible’, any politician who is condemned to the past and not the future and what it holds, is a failed politician.  In a nation that has according to General Alabi Isama been ruled since independence by a coalition of Igbo and Hausa Fulani elite, even while pretending to be at war, Pa Adebanjo cannot see what Yoruba stands to gain in a combination of Hausa Fulani and the main stream Yoruba political tendency to which he has identified for an upwards of fifty years. He even discountenanced the presence of his Ijebu kinsman, Prof Osinbajo on the Buhari ticket. Pa Adebanjo is prepared to throw away the baby with the bath water because of selfish bitterness against Tinubu.

    Pa Adebanjo  is not ready to forgive Buhari even after he had said ‘dictatorship goes with military rule’ and after the children of those directly affected publicly pardoned him because of their deeper understanding of the limitation of ill-equipped military junta suffering from messianic complex, Pa Adebanjo has shown he cannot comprehend the essence of Awoism, Awo as philosopher and Awo as a brilliant politician.  For instance Awo jailed by Hausa Fulani and Igbo ruling elites came out of prison without bitterness. He moved on to write books because he was deep enough to know the crisis was ideological. It was the ruling elite in the north and east that reached a consensus to send Awo to prison, hoping erroneously that, he would be too old by the time he returns to question how they govern Nigeria.

    On the Lagos metro line project of over 30 years ago, it is a good that that Alhaji Lateef Jakande during his 80th birthday celebration recently put the blame squarely on President Shehu Shagari’s administration. The same Shagari, whose administration guaranteed billions of dollars as external loans for NPP and NPN coalition partner governors, prevented the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing the seventy million mobilization fees for the project, long after the specified amount had been deposited by Lagos State government with it. Pa Jakande also accused Shagari of abandoning the Third mainland bridge due to ‘pettiness.’

    Adebanjo is selfishly asking Yoruba people to vote for Jonathan that has nothing but contempt for our people. Our youths, in two days time, must demonstrate that our selfless forbearers’ investment in us have not been in vain by rejecting Jonathan and his errand boys and errant old men.

  • ‘Tinubu means well for Yoruba’

    A leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Nigeria, Alhaji Amoda Bello has warned some factional Afenifere Leaders against attacking the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Bello said the former Lagos State governor has good plans for the Yoruba race, stressing that whatever political step taken by him would always be to the benefit the Yoruba people.

    The NURTW leader, who spoke with reporters in Akure, the Ondo state capital said Yoruba should be grateful to Tinubu for not allowing them to play the second fiddle in the country.

    He urged the Afenifere leaders to accept the former Lagos State governor as the leader of Yoruba race, saying Tinubu shares the same political ideologies with the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    His words: “No amount of campaign of destruction that could stand in the way of Ahmed Bola Tinubu. He is a great leader. The achievements he has made, no Yoruba leader has ever made such, except Chief Awolowo.

    “He has two things that he has done for us as Yoruba. He has single-handedly formed a political party and the political party is accepted all over the country. This is a great achievement.

    “A man that has promoted a lot of people who are now leaders of their respective states. They are the governor Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Governor Raji Fashola of Lagos State, these are products of Tinubu who we can be proud of. Come and see the person he is grooming in Ondo State, Bola Ilori, if this man speaks with you, you will notice that he is an intellectual.