Soji Ajibola
Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade ll has warned various Yoruba socio-cultural groups nationwide not to compromise the struggle for Yoruba Nation.
Oba Balogun who has accepted to interface with his colleague Obas in Yorubaland on any issue that would promote Yoruba interest said the struggle is worthwhile.
The monarch made the remark during the visit of the executive members of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) led by Hon. Wale Oshun and Chief Ayo Afolabi, the Chairman and Secretary respectively to him at his Alarere Palace.
Oba Balogun hailed the activities of the group which he described as patriotic and altruistic and pledged his full support for the group and others committed to the protection of Yoruba interest and the emancipation of the people.
“Whatever will jealously guide and protect the interest of the Yoruba people will attract my attention. As a freedom fighter myself, I have all through my life’s sojourn abhorred injustice, lack of fairness and equity and I cannot at this time change.
So, whoever shares that attribute with me has my total support and so you have my blessings.” He said
Olubadan enjoined ARG to ensure that all divisive tendencies among the various groups within Yorubaland are checked towards ensuring that “we all have a common purpose since our vision is about the genuine freedom of our people to live a meaningful life on their God-given space without let or hindrance.
“I accept wholeheartedly your request to liaise with my brother Obas on your mission and by the grace of the Almighty Allah, we will reach our destination peacefully”.
Chairman of ARG, Hon. Oshun, in his address disclosed that the group was concerned about the position of Yorubaland in the political calculation of the country today, describing it as worrisome.
He noted the study of the group about 10 years ago and lamented the discovery then which was termed ‘North migration to Yorubaland not healthy’.
“What we discovered as the North migration then has today blossomed to herdsmen invasion, leaving our land desolate because of the various vices the herdsmen are noted for.
“We can longer go to farms, what we were producing before like maize, cassava, soya beans among others are now being imported. We raised the alarm then that the migration of the North to the South had no any value to be added to us.
“Our youths that are migrating to the Europe, United States and other parts of the world are going there with skills and education through which they add value to their various places of abode.
“Conversely, our best is leaving our territory while the worst are coming to our territory, this is a sad commentary”, the former Federal lawmaker asserted.
Asking the Olubadan to come to the centre of its activities, Hon. Oshun said as a prominent monarch, who came to the throne from a very rich background including sound education, experience and exposure, “we want to send you on an errand with every sense of humility and responsibility to your colleague Obas on our mission for Yoruba to regain her past glory.
“By your preeminence position, we are sending Your Imperial Majesty to other Obas on the need to meet and agree on what we as a nation wants and pass same to our politicians”, the ARG Chairman said further.
