Allow prominent Yoruba to join Afenifere, Odunowo advises group

A community leader in Ogun East senatorial district of Ogun State, Adebayo Odunowo, has advised the Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, to give room to other prominent Yoruba indigenes to become members.

Odunowo said Afenifere is the only recognised group among others championing the interest of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, before and after independence.

Odunowo stated this at the weekend when members of the Afenifere in Ikenne and Odogbolu local government areas paid him a visit in Imoru-Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.

He advised members to retrace their steps towards the founding fathers of Afenifere that handled the group in a way that all ethnic nationalities became envious of the achievements Afenifere recorded within a short time.

He also advised Afenifere to take steps to ensure that Yoruba language does not go into extinction, expressing disgust at the current situation whereby Yoruba language is categorised as a vernacular in schools across Yorubaland.

He said his travelling experience to some foreign countries of China, Germany and Saudi Arabia had shown that those countries did not joke with their local languages.

He praised the former Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his followers for their foresight in education sector as well as the creation of different avenues to generate funds to ensure that the South-West region became reference point for others.

He also commended Ogun State government for granting traditional religion worshipers in the state Isese Day, advising members of Afenifere to unite with the state government so as to develop Yorubaland.

On the visit were Chief Ebenezer Ogunlana; Mrs Funmilayo Soyewo; Prince F. Adesanya; Princess Olubunmi Olujobi; Mrs Omowunmi Olawale; Madam Ajani Olabisi; Mr Adeleke Sosan; Mrs Oladipupo Olayemi; Mr Adesina Sofuye; Mr Adedoyin Orelaja and Mr Oluwole Adelowo.

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