- Several prominent Yoruba leaders including the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Chief Ayo Adebabjo; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Dr Gani Adams; and Mr Yinka Odumakin yesterday condemed the recent attacks of herdsmen in Yoruba land.
Several prominent Yoruba leaders including the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Chief Ayo Adebabjo; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Dr Gani Adams; and Mr Yinka Odumakin yesterday condemed the recent attacks of herdsmen in Yoruba land.
They decried the attacks during a book presentation of Yoruba translation of Awolowo’s autobiography titled ‘Awo’ by Alaroye, in honour of memory and legacies.
Alaafin who spoked during the event condemned the level of insecurity and criminality in the country and yoruba land.
“At the national level today, we have unprecedented state of insecurity culminated by kidnapping, Fulani herdsmen harassment and all sorts of criminality that have enveloped Yorubaland today.”
“The Yoruba are proud of their harmonious relationship with indigenous Fulani which has spread over many centuries. Such relationships have led to inter- ethnic marriages and business entrepreneurships. At that time, cattle herders carried stick to direct the movement of their cattle. It was unlike now when supposed herders are armed sophistically like soldiers. At that time, farming and rearing were complementary unlike now where they are targeted against each other.”
“As far as I am concerned, there is no solution to the current national challenge than the restructuring of our federal system to the glorious old days with some modifications where necessary. As of now, the centre is too powerful beyond any mortal capacity to supervise and superintend the whole national security.” he lamented.
Similarly, Adebanjo said if the leaders let Nigerians down in providing adequate security, the people should be ready to deliver themselves.
He also accused the south west governors of not taking the issue of insecurity serious in order to avoid offending a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu.
In his contribution, the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, said, “We should do whatever we have to deliver ourselves. I can still roll out one million Yoruba people.
“The Miyeti Allah is taking out their plans one after the other, while the eastern governors kicked against it, our governors are trying to be diplomatic about the matter.
“We won’t allow insecurity to overwhelm us. We will not allow it to distract us from pursuing restructuring.”
Similarly, the spokesperson for Afenifere, Odumakin, appealed to traditional rulers to warn South-West governors against giving herders land for Ruga settlement.
