A Yoruba Nation Youth group, representing members both at home and in the diaspora, has urged certain leaders of Afenifere not to hinder the realization of the Yoruba Nation.
The group, in a statement by its Diaspora Youth Leader, Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole, emphasized their commitment to the cause of self-determination for the Yoruba Nation.
They expressed disagreement with Afenifere leaders on the issue of restructuring, asserting that what the Yoruba Nation desires is self-determination, not restructuring.
“Why can’t all emulate Professor Banji Akintoye who have been championing Yoruba Nation self-determination.
According to them “We are not happy with the way and manner the leader of pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and some leaders in the South West have been going about relegating the issue of actualization of Yoruba Nation.
“Why is Afenifere always attacking the advocates of Yoruba self-determination with such terrible venom.
“What do you gain from Nigeria that makes you so feverish in defending the continued Yoruba membership of Nigeria. What has the Yoruba gained in Nigeria.
“Secondly, why is a body like Afenifere never careful about creating the impression that we Yoruba are viciously divided.
“Why can’t you imitate the careful and respectful manner in which we of the Yoruba Nation always speak of Afenifere. Prof Akintoye warns us regularly to be respectful of Afenifere.
” Why can’t Afenifere do the same. Is it in Yoruba interest to appear often as violently divided.
“‘Thirdly, since some Yoruba persons are free to advocate restructuring, why do you seem to insist that other Yoruba persons are sinning by advocating Yoruba Nation and deserve to be insulted and crucified.
“Fourthly, here is something we have never wanted to raise because of our respect for Afenifere.
“It is the history of how we Yoruba people have become like slaves in Nigeria. The whole world knows how this disaster befell the Yoruba and the generation that bears the historical responsibility for it.
” Does it make sense that the same generation should still be pushing our Nation deeper and deeper into slavery.
“Finally, watch again the interview of Prof.Akimtoye with Dr Abati. When Prof Akintoye referred to Afenifere and restructuring, observe his respectful language.. Also observe his explanation about. Restructuring. Why can’t we all emulate this man.
“What we are saying is that enough is enough for those Yoruba leaders who are trying to truncate our efforts.
“Pa Ayo Adebanjo should desist from calling himself as Yoruba leader because we Youths won’t allow our future to be mortgaged by him.
“We don’t have confidence in him anymore and henceforth he should stop parading himself as Afenifere leader.
“We are also coming for those Traditional rulers who usually bestowed Chieftaincy titles on the Fulanis in Yoruba land.
“Youths are ready to fight for their rights. Chief Obafemi Awolowo had said it before now that when it is time, youths will rise up to fight for Yoruba Nation”, the youth they maintained.
Additionally, the youths have expressed their disagreement with Yoruba farmers and state governments in the South West who have offered land to herders in Yorubaland for farming purposes.
They have vowed to resist these plans, whether for farming or grazing, using every means possible.
“We warn to both Yoruba farmers and State Governors in the South that if they continue with their plans to force the Fulani on our land, we are going to resist them and defend our lands from those killer herdsmen.
Despite their resistance to certain actions, the youths have encouraged members to continue the struggle peacefully. They affirmed their commitment to fighting for the self-determination of the Yoruba Nation until it is achieved.
