BEVERLY HILLS, March 23, (THEWILL) – Ondo State Governor and Chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, has warned Sunday Igboho and others agitating for an Oduduwa Republic for Yoruba parts of Nigeria to keep away from his land.
Akeredolu, declared that the state was not part of the mode of agitation for a sovereign Yoruba nation being canvassed by activists allegedly led by Sunday Igboho.
Speaking while swearing in Princess Catherine Oladunni Odu as the new Secretary to the State Government on Monday, Akeredolu said Ondo people have had to stay in Nigeria.
The Governor cautioned those behind the Oduduwa Republic agenda to allow all stakeholders to discuss the matter before imposing their thoughts on the Yoruba people.
He said no part of Ondo State would permit any gathering or agitation which might suggest, however remotely, that the people were in support of what he termed “unthinking rabble-rousing.”
He said the right of citizens to discuss, agitate and fight to right perceived wrongs must be done within known and acceptable parameters.
The Governor said: “While it is the right of citizens to discuss, agitate and even fight to right perceived wrongs, which might culminate in self-determination, this must be done within known and acceptable parameters.
“All concerned must be identified, that is, agreed to pursue the same objectives to achieve a desirable or desired end. There must be a common platform through which the demands, from the most mundane to the sublime, must be presented.
“The reasons for the declaration of hostilities must not be fleeting fancies of disaffection engendered by perceived politics of exclusion for personal benefits. Self-determination must be a collective programme of action.
“We will continue to encourage dialogue as an effective tool in resolving disputes. We will also not shy away from joining others to insist on socio-economic justice.
“We will, however, not subscribe to banditry and recklessness in putting forth our demands.
“Our people are knowledgeable enough to determine their interest at any point. If and when they consider self-determination as an option, they will not depend on external promptings to act, and that is why we are different. That is why we are who we are.”
Akeredolu who vowed to continue to eject and punish all trespassers occupying forests reserves with a view to ridding the state of undesirable elements, said his administration would continue to arrest any under-age herder as well as prosecute the mindless handlers of “these unfortunate kids.”
The Governor explained that his administration opted to participate in the Federal Government National Livestock Transformation Programme because it was aimed at encouraging any private businessman who took interest in breeding cattle to participate in the modern methods for profit.
He explained that it was not about a settlement of an ethnic group but a programme to be funded by the Federal Government in which they must be active participants.
Akeredolu’s statement was coming hours after promoters of the Oduduwa Republic unveiled new currencies for the proposed Yoruba nation.
Igboho had, last week, declared that Yorubas are no longer part of Nigeria.
During his declaration, the self-acclaimed activist said the major resources of Nigeria were in the hands of Northerners, stressing that Yorubas were being killed and their land taken over.
Igboho said: “If the police attack us for that, we are ready for them. We do not want Nigeria again but the Yoruba nation. There is no essence for one Nigeria when the major resources in the country are in the hands of the northerners.
“Enough is enough. There is no going back… We are not scared of anybody. These killer herders are taking over our land and they are killing our people.”
About the Author
