Condemnation has been expressed by Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, towards the invasion of the Oyo State House of Assembly in Ibadan by some suspected Yoruba nation agitators.
In a statement released by Comrade Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, it was mentioned that the individuals behind this action did not act in the best interest of the Yoruba people they claimed to represent.
In a recent incident, individuals purporting to be Yoruba nation agitators forcefully entered the premises of the Oyo State House of Assembly in Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, which is considered the political hub of Yorubaland.
According to a circulating video clip, the intruders declared the establishment of a so-called ‘Democratic Republic of Yoruba’ separate from Nigeria.
In response, Afenifere categorically stated that the notion of a Democratic Republic of Yoruba does not exist.
“Yoruba is an integral part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is widely understood that a sovereign republic cannot coexist within another sovereign republic,” the statement emphasized.
Addressing the existing challenges in Nigeria, Ajayi acknowledged various dysfunctions in the governance of the country.
He stressed, “However, violent division is not the solution to rectifying these issues. Instead, our focus should be on correcting the perceived wrongs within the nation.”
Afenifere expressed confidence in the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reform Nigeria towards a future where every citizen can take pride in the country. The advocacy for restructuring the nation was highlighted as a key strategy to achieve this.
The organization emphasized that through restructuring and granting regions autonomy over their affairs, Nigeria will be beneficial to all citizens.
“This is why our advocacy for restructuring remains unwavering!” Afenifere reaffirmed.