The leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Professor Banji Akintoye, on Thursday, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital said Nigeria is reinventable, but must first be renegotiated.
He also tasked Yorubas to rise in defence of their ancestral lands against usurpation by the Fulani herders under any guise.
Akintoye, who spoke during the 135th anniversary of the Kiriji Peace Treaty organised by Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) and Yoruba Assembly at the House of Chiefs, Oyo State secretariat contended that “there is no difference or disagreement between those who want to restructure and those seeking self-determination.”
Represented by Dr Tunde Hamzat, he averred that “it is the third force that wants to divide us. We are all in the same contraption called Nigeria. But, we must stand against bloodshed. The Fulanis have collaborators among us.”
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According to Akintoye, “criminal herders are already in our land. Let us guide our lands against any form of usurpation. No single group can handle it. Don’t fight anyone opposing your position. Though Ilana Omo Oodua does not oppose IPOB, we don’t want bloodshed.”
“Nigeria is reinventable, but it must first be renegotiated. We must keep standing in what we believe, irrespective of oppression and harassment.
“We must forge ahead in all conditions. I am reminding you that Article 1 of the peace treaty signed in 1886 by our forefathers says there shall be peace between Obas, Baales and their subjects.”
Earlier in his remark, the chairman of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Comrade Wale Oshun lamented growing insecurity that has forced the majority of farmers to abandon their farmlands, thereby causing the astronomical rise in prices of food items.
“Farming is our preoccupation in the South West. But, no peace of mind for our farmers again. We want unity and peace.
“Politicians in our region, irrespective of party affiliations should work for the greatness of Yoruba,” he posited.
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