Oodua Unity Group (OUG), a new coalition for Yoruba interest, has affirmed its readiness to foster unity amongst Yoruba sons and daughters globally, saying that it would collaborate with various Oodua groups to ensure engagement and advocacy on socio-economic development while promoting Yoruba culture and heritage.
The group made this known in a release issued on Friday by its Administrative Secretary, Kola Aare, copy of which was made available to newsmen, saying that recent developments in the country, with regards to politics, governance and growth had reawakened the Yoruba to the self-determination essence of struggle for survival and development in the country.
Aare, while recalling the country’s journey in the last 25 years, during which the National Confab was setup and its resolution which favourer the rights of ethnic nationalities, including ethnic minorities to internal self-determination, was yet to be implemented, said the consciousness of the Yoruba had become re-awakened as “the crisis deepens and Nigeria continues to manifest the most palpable symptoms of a failed state.”
“Today, two clear calls, not mutually exclusive, rent the air: First is the call for Yoruba nation outside Nigeria; the other is the call for Regionalism.
“In this circumstance, it has become paramount for Oodua self-determination groups to come together as a pan-Yoruba coalition to aggregate their principles, visions, strategic initiatives and tactical prowess for an organised, united and systematic response to the challenge of the day.
“This is what has led to the formation of this organization – the Oodua Unity Group (OUG),” he said.
OUG chieftain, however, said the group remained non-partisan, saying that it would not prevent its members from involvement in parties of their choice.
“There must be clear line of demarcation, and coalition interest supersedes all partisan affiliations,” he said.
He listed the aims and objectives of the group to include, protection life and properties of Yoruba people, protecting and sustaining the culture and traditions of Yoruba people, fostering unity amongst Yoruba sons and daughters globally and engagement and advocacy on socio-economic development of Yoruba land.
Others are: “Bring Yoruba people under one regional government, Promote Yoruba culture and heritage, as well as
Socio-political and economic empowerment of leadership of various Oodua groups.
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