Yoruba, Itsekiri groups unite in Lagos, seek end to insecurity, religious extremism
More than 100 Pan-Yoruba and Itsekiri groups have called for greater unity and collective action to address insecurity, religious intolerance, poverty and other challenges threatening communities across the South-West and neighbouring Yoruba-speaking areas.
The groups made the call at a meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday, with a communique issued on Wednesday by the conveners, journalist Adewale Adeoye, Chief Adekunle Adesokan and Alhaji Jubril Ogundimu.
The participants also called for an end to attacks and disagreements among supporters of Aare Ona Kakanfo Iba Gani Adams and Sunday Adeyemi, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, as well as other factions of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and self-determination groups.
The meeting was attended by representatives of several Pan-Yoruba and self-determination organisations, including the Afenifere Renewal Group, Yoruba Council of Elders, Agbekoya, Oodua Peoples Congress factions, Apapo Oodua Koya, Oodua Nationalist Coalition, Oodua Liberation Movement, Itsekiri National Congress and Think Yoruba First.
The groups warned against the spread of religious extremism and hate speech, urging Christians, Muslims and traditional worshippers across Yorubaland to preserve the region’s long-standing tradition of religious freedom and tolerance.
“We agree that all Pan-Yoruba groups must work together to halt any form of dispute or confrontation that undermines the past, present and future of Yorubaland. Henceforth, there should not be any further attacks against each other on social media or by any other means,” the communique stated.
On insecurity, the groups condemned attacks by terrorists and armed gangs and called on the federal and state governments to take decisive measures, including the speedy implementation of state police. They also advocated community-based security arrangements involving indigenous Yoruba and Itsekiri communities.
The meeting resolved to establish a Working Group on Peace Building and Conflict Prevention in Western Nigeria, comprising the conveners and other stakeholders, to engage groups involved in disputes and promote peace, harmony and coexistence. The participants also called for greater regional integration, improved electricity supply, democratic governance and economic cooperation across the South-West, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Itsekiri areas.
