Yoruba Assembly warns against coup, says restructuring key to Nigeria’s stability

A coalition of interest groups from Yoruba-speaking communities, under the aegis of the Yoruba Assembly (YA), has warned of dire consequences of any attempt to stage a military coup in Nigeria at this point in time.

The coalition gave the warning at its conference, themed: “Democracy and the Future of the People,” which was held in Lagos on Wednesday, and attended by over 1000 people, saying military incursion into politics at this time had the potential of throwing Nigeria into turmoil.

The lead speaker at the conference was Hon. Wale Osun, with other speakers, including renowned journalist, Comrade Adewale Adeoye; Chief Dele Asaju, Dere Jarikpe representing Itsekiri; leaders of Pan-Yoruba groups, Rasaq Arogundade; Wasiu Afolabi, Rasaq Olokooba, Taofik Adeyemi, while representatives also came from Itsekiri in Delta State, Akoko Edo, Kwara and Kogi States.

The Yoruba in Diaspora were represented by Dr Biyi Oyefule.

Besides, YA, in its communique, also warned against the latest reports that the Islamic State of West Africa was about to attack Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Osun states, saying that the Yoruba people were now compelled to organise themselves to resist the invasion in their quest for survival.

The coalition expressed worries about armed opposition to democracy, which it viewed as appearing to be sponsored by fascist elements who live under the illusion that the control and management of the Nigerian political economy is their birthright.

“We warn military adventurists to stay away from politics. Any attempt to truncate democracy at this moment will end up creating unprecedented violence,” YA said.

The Yoruba Assembly said that though the military denied allegations of a military coup, it, however, said it had been the pattern for a certain cabal in the country to destabilise democratic structures once they perceived the loss of their stronghold on the political economy.

The Assembly further warned that military intervention at this time would scuttle the economy, undermine free speech and destroy the gains of democracy since 1999, while setting the tone for ethnic violence across the country.

On killings in Kwara, Kogi and Itsekiri land, the coalition condemned such development, calling on the Federal Government to protect Itsekiri in Delta and Yoruba in Kogi and Delta States.

“Yoruba in Kogi and Kwara are facing a declaration of war. Itsekiri people are also facing historical injustice, with the protection in their territories being handed over to their enemies. These situations can no longer be tolerated. Justice must be done before it is too late,” the Assembly said.

The Assembly, however, reiterated its call, insisting that the antidote to the lingering situation in Nigeria was to restructure the country along the pre-independence format.

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