Afrikan Pride Magazine

07/10/2023

Femi Iyanda, veteran journalist buries mother in-law in Grand style....Lagos, Nigeria

16/06/2023

Baba Asa from Canada Sends powerful message to Yorùbás, and their monarchs

16/06/2023

14/09/2022

Prepare to attend!

11/09/2022

Terrible Dad Rapes Own Daughter in Ogun

A 46 years old man, Olusegun Oluwole has been apprehended by men of Ogun state Police Command for forcefully having carnal knowledge of his 17 years old daughter (name withheld).
The suspect was arrested following a complaint lodged at Ibara police station by the victim, who came in company of some so safe corps men and reported that she while she was sleeping in their one room apartment at Amolaso area of Abeokuta at about 11:30 pm, his father, having observed that others are fast asleep suddenly grabbed her and forcefully had s*x with her with a threat to kill her if she refused to allow him.
Upon the report, the DPO Ibara division, CSP Bernard Egbondiya, quickly detailed his detectives to the scene, where the suspect was promptly arrested.
On interrogation, the father of six, who confessed to the crime pleaded for forgiveness, claiming not knowing what came over him when he committed the crime.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole has ordered the transfer of the suspect to state Criminal investigation Departments for further investigation and possible prosecution, while the victim was taken to general hospital for medical treatment.

08/09/2022

The Queen of England has died at 96. May her soul rest in peace.

03/09/2022

Happy birthday to a worthy leader!

On the occasion of your birthday, all Yorubas in Italy felicitate with you, our amiable and worthy president, Omooba Kolawole Oladele. You are not just a leader, but one per excellence.

As you birthday coincides almost with a year you took the mantle of leadership of the Yorubas in Italy, to ghe glory of God, you have begin to re-write the history of the association which has began to leap and run instead of crawling like a malnourished child it was, even after more than a decade of its existence.

Immediately you took over, you began to replicate the wonders and enviable feats you performed while you were the local president of the Veneto branch and will surely beat it as you are organising a mega and unique anniversary for the association to be celebrated on Saturday, September 24 this year.

A leader with a midas touch, humble and wise, we wish you many happy returns of the day in the abundance of God's infinite blessings, sir!

31/07/2022

Two Women In Police Net Over Child Theft In Ogun

Men of Ogun state Police Command on the 25th of July 2022, arrested a 53 year old woman, Chinyere Nwozu, for stealing a one week old baby boy.
The suspect was arrested at about 9 am of the said date, when she was seen with a little baby who was crying but she can not breastfeed him as a mother.
According to a statement signed by DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, he stressed further that the act arouses the suspicion of some members of public, who quickly alerted the police at Sango Ota divisional headquarters.
Upon the information, the DPO Sango Ota, SP Dahiru Saleh, detailed his detectives to the scene where the woman was promptly arrested.
On interrogation, she confessed to the police that she is not the biological mother of the child but that she bought the child somewhere in Agege area of Lagos state through one Ngozi Akaeme at the rate of 500,000 naira.
Upon her confession, detectives went after the said Ngozi Akaeme and got her arrested. She confessed been an accomplice to Chinyere Nwozu, and that she actually negotiated with the biological mother of the baby who according to her agreed to sell the baby.
Efforts to make her accompany policemen to locate the real mother of the baby proved abortive.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole has directed that the suspects be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Departments for further investigation and possible prosecution

31/07/2022

Know Your Boundary... Police Warns Officers

31/07/2022

*Filming Police Officers On Duty Is Not A Crime – AIG Kamaldeen*

The Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police, Zone 6, AIG Kamaldeen kola Okunlola has disclosed that filming a police officer while performing his duty was not a crime but legal and within the rights of citizens.

AIG okulola made the disclosure at the Cross River state Police Command Headquarters during a familiarisation visit on Thursday in Diamond Hill, Calabar.

He punctured the usual belief that a citizen filming a police officer while on duty has committed any crime but added that every Nigerian has the right to film any police personnel on duty stressing that it was within their rights in the law.

The AIG cautioned police officers to desist from the act of stopping a citizen from recording them while performing their duty adding that it was not a crime at all.

He called on officers to be more humane, and friendly with their neighbours , the citizenry they protect instead and avoid harassing them in any form.

“We must be humane and close to the public, and not when you want to extort money you turn to a tyrant and oppress innocent citizens all that must stop, you must treat people right, because you are there for them.

23/07/2022

At Alhaja Aolat's mum 8th day Firdaus

21/07/2022

Okota:Use Cultural Promotion To Boost Tourism, Economic Devt in Ondo, Akoko land, Gani Adams Charges Akeredolu

Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams Thursday urged the Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to use cultural promotion template to improve tourism and economic development in Ondo state and its environs, saying the state remains backward among the six states in the southwest because it is not doing enough in promoting the cultural identity of its people.

Adams disclosed this at the 2022 edition of the Okota Festival, held at the Palace Square, Arigidi-Akoko, Ondo state.

The Yoruba generalissimo stated also that cultural promotion has been the major elixir to tourism and economic development in every state, adding that the Okota festival is the most celebrated festival in Arigidi-Akoko town.

"It is very important for the Ondo state government to use cultural promotion template to improve the tourism and economic development in Ondo state and its environs.

"The promotion of the cultural identity of the people is the divine responsibility of the traditional rulers, therefore, traditional rulers in the state should also step up their roles as custodians of Yoruba culture and tradition.

"The state government and the traditional institution need to do a lot more in promoting the culture and the tradition of the people in order to improve the state economy and further enhance development in the state.

All over the world, there is an obvious difference between religion, culture, traditions, and any race or people that abandon their culture and tradition does so at their own peril.

For instance, indigenes and people of Akure, Owo, and the Ikare still make tremendous progress in their socio-economic lives even better than my people here in Akoko because they identify with their own culture and traditions.

"The reason for this is that those of us in Akoko land have, for a very long time, ignored our tradition and heritage, and we remain backward for this.

"I am using this opportunity to appeal to all our traditional rulers in Akoko land to rise to the occasion and join the train of prosperous people that promote and celebrate their deities and ancestors.

"As the Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land and a prominent son of Akoko land,I am ready to support any traditional ruler that is ready to promote the tradition and culture of his kingdom.

"As custodian of Yoruba culture, it is a fact that prosperity, wealth, and abundance, both social and economic fortunes are all spiritual in nature. They don't come by accident. It is by promoting our culture and tradition that we can be able to access the spiritual fortunes and be liberated from poverty and misfortunes"

Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) who is represented by the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Diaspora Relations, Prince Boye Ologbese, and Commissioner for Women Affairs, Princess Adebunmi Osadaunsi, said the government will do everything within its power to inject cultural promotion activities and programmes into its policy programme, adding that efforts are on to strengthen the security architecture of all the communities in the state.

"Let me assure people of Arigidi-Akoko that our government will work out an effective cultural promotion programme that will allow peaceful co-existence across the state",

Meanwhile, the royal host, and the Zaki of Arigidi-Akoko, Oba Yisa Olanipekun expressed appreciation to Aare Gani Adams for his support and commitment to sustaining the culture, tradition, and heritage of the town, stressing the impact of the Okota festival in boosting the economy of the town

"I appreciate Aare Gani Adams' zeal, dedication, and commitment to promoting the Yoruba race and the core values of the traditional institution.

"It is our responsibility as traditional rulers to ensure that we sustain our culture and tradition.

"For us in Arigidi-Akoko, it is a new beginning and I am sure the town will leverage on the commitment of Aare Gani Adams to peace and tranquility in the town to rekindle the hope of the people within and outside the state.

"He applauded the OPC for using the Okota festival to strengthen the bond of unity and peace in the town.

Other guests at the event include the Akala of Ikaram-Akoko, HRM Oba (CDRE) A.O.Momodu, Arigbamu of Agbamu land, Oba Olusola Dare, The Alase of Ase Akoko, Oba Ogidan Aderemi, Olubaka of Oka Akoko, Oba Adebori Adeleye, the Osunla of Erusu Akoko, Oba Barrister Sunday Mogaji, Chief Mrs.Toyin Olusile, Chief Mrs.Titilope Hassan, OPU Coordinator, Italy, OPU coordinator in Sweden, Mr.Bob Agbede, The Alase of Ase Akoko, Oba Ogidan Aderemi, all members of the National Executive Council NEC and National Coordinating Council meeting (NCC)

14/07/2022

BBC Yoruba reports that Baba Ijesa has been sentenced to 5 years in prison...
How do you see it?

07/07/2022

Sallah Ram: Two In Police Net Over Theft

Men of Ogun State police command on the 5th of July 2022, arrested the duo of Adetunji Alagbe and Opeyemi Ogunlokun for stealing a Salah ram belonging to one Sodiq Abolore.
In a statement signed by DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the public relations officer, Ogun State, Police Command, he said the suspects were arrested following a report lodged at Ogijo divisional headquarters by Sodiq Abolore, who reported that while he was sleeping in his house at about 3 am, he heard an unusual noise in his compound which made him peep through the window, only to discover that the iron gate he used to block the entrance where he kept his Salah ram has been pulled down.
This made him come out and discovered that his Salah ram which he bought at the rate of #120,000 is no longer there.
He stated further that when he searched around, he saw three men forcing his ram into a waiting Mazda car booth, which made him raise an alarm, and a distress call was made to the police.
The three men were chased, and two amongst them were apprehended, while the other one escaped.
The ram was recovered, and the two suspects were taken into custody.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, CP Lanre Bankole, has ordered an in-depth investigation of the case, with the view of charging the suspects to court as soon as possible.
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04/07/2022

Celebrate 7th Of July, Go To Prison...Police Warns Cultist, Hotelier In Ogun

Ogun State Police command has warmed cult groups to have a rethink of any form of celebration of the 7th of July as law enforcement would not welcome such act from any group.
In a statement released by the police public relations officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, he said, Intelligence report at the disposal of Ogun State Command reveals that members of various unlawful cult groups are planning to mark what they called "7/7" on Thursday, being 7th of July, 2022. The report also revealed that the event may result in bloodletting and wanton destruction of properties.
Given this, the Command wishes to warn those having such devilish intentions to rethink and retrace their steps, as such a move will be met with strong resistance from security agencies.
To this end, all the Command's tactical squads namely: SWAT, Anti-Cultists, Anti-kidnapping as well as the DPOs and Area Commanders have all been put on Red Alert to nip in the bud any act capable of undermining the security of the State. The full weight of the law will descend on members of any unlawful society who intends to perpetrate evil acts, as the Command will not fold its hands while some misguided and unscrupulous elements attempt to make life difficult for law-abiding citizens of the State.
The Command is therefore using this medium to appeal to parents and guardians to warn their children/wards to steer clear of any unlawful gathering or society before and after the said date to prevent a Had-I-Known situation.
Also, hoteliers are by this release warned not to allow their facilities to be used for any cult-related gathering as owners of such will be liable for prosecutions.
While assuring members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment, intimidation, and molestation, the command has rolled out all in its arsenal to deal decisively with anybody who tries to breach the relative peace being enjoyed by the good people of the State.

30/06/2022

A Nigerian, Olatunji Goes To Jail...To Serve 235 Years In Prison

Justice Agatha Okeke of the Federal High Court, Uyo, has convicted and sentenced Scales Olatunji.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) labelled him “a notorious international fraudster”.

The convict bagged 235 years imprisonment for internet fraud and money laundering.

Olatunji pleaded “not guilty” after arraignment in July 2019 on 45-count charges.

One reads: “That you, Scales Olatunji Ishola “M”, Meraiyebu Charles “M”(at large), Gabriel Adeyemi Olugbenga “M”(at large), Ojomo Oluwatobi Ayodele “M”(at large) and Adekola Oluwatoyin “M”(at large), between January 2017 to October 2018 converted N525,172,580”.

The theft of the funds, which formed part of proceeds of unlawful activities to wit: fraud (Business E-mail Compromise and Identity Theft), violated Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended) and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

Also, Olatunji on or about May 15, 2018, sent electronic messages (email) using [email protected] to one Monica Goulmoen of the Charity Association for providing girls and boys in Kobane with a football pitch.

He impersonated Per Ravn Omdal, a former Norwegian Football Association President, demanded and received €64,000.

The offence negates offence contrary to Section 22 (3)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act 2015 and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the same Act.

Delivering judgment, Justice Okeke convicted Olatunji on all the 45- counts preferred against him by the EFCC.

The judge said the evidence of the prosecution witnesses were consistent and the prosecution established his guilt.

The prosecution was also able to establish the offence of cybercrime as it relates to count six to forty five of the charges.

The judge sentenced Olatunji to seven years imprisonment on counts one to five, and five years imprisonment on counts six to forty-five.

The sentence shall run from the date of arrest. The money in his account will be sent to the affected Norwegian citizens through the EFCC.

Olatunji’s properties in Lekki: House No. 6, Road 2 West-end Estate in Ikota and House No. 10, Donatus Odum Street, Ikate are to be sold and the proceeds restituted to the victims.

The EFCC commenced a probe after the convict was caught on March 20, 2019 at his Ikota residence. The action followed a petition from the Oslo Police District in Norway

30/06/2022

Mr.Portable Reports Self At Command Headquarter In Ogun Over Assault On Fellow Entertainer

The Ogun state police command has informed the general public that the hip-hop artist Habib Okikiola a.k.a Portable who was requested to report himself at the nearest police station over a viral video where he was seen ordering a group of boys to beat up one boy simply identified as D.J Chicken has reported at the command's headquarters Eleweran on Wednesday 29th of June 2022.
According to the Public relations officer, Ogun State Police Command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, he Said the artist reported at eleweran at about 5pm with his father and manager. He was immediately ordered to be taken to the public complain bureau office by the commissioner of police, CP Lanre Bankole, where he was interrogated about his role in the assault melted to the boy in the video.
However, since the offence committed is a bailable one, and couple with the strike action embarked upon by the civil servants in the state which also affected our courts, the suspect was released to a reliable surety who promised to produce him anytime he is needed.
Meanwhile, the assaulted victim has also been invited to come and state his own side of the story to enable the command complete her investigation on time.

26/06/2022

26/06/2022

YORUBA CARNIVAL TO HOLD IN TREVISO, ITALY

Yorubas sons and daughters resident in Italy through the Yoruba National Community in Italy, YNCI will host the world to a cultural jamboree in the city of Treviso, Italy on the 25th of September 2022.

The program which is being planned to mark the inauguration of the new excos of the community and project the beautiful cultural heritage of the Yorubas to the world promises to be mother of all carnivals according to the organisers.

Alagba Kolawole Oladele put it thus, "We hope to collaborate with the Italian and European institutions, especially those that promote world cultural preservations in order to begin a new path of cultural pilgrimage in Yorubaland.

"Surely, the race and our nation are going through a turbulent period in Nigeria but this is the time to sell and project the hood image of Yoruba Nation to the world. A time to showcase our resilience as a people, our resourcefulness as a nation and our endearing cultural values.

"Like never before, this new leadership of YNCI is ready to take the Yoruba cause to another enviable level in Italy, Europe and the world at large."

While contributing to the preparation process, the new PRO, Mr. Abayomi Banjo said the response of all community leaders in Region and provinces across Italy to ensure success of the September event is very encouraging.

He said, " While we are preparing for this great event, new communities from Bergamo and La Spezia have joined the ever expanding Yoruba Community in Italy.

"We only want to advise the few saboteurs among us, especially those who are illegally going around to represent our National association without due consultation to desist if they do not want to incur the wrath of Eledumare."

The group enjoined all Yoruba lovers in Italy, Europe and all over the world to save the date.

20/06/2022

A NEW YORUBA COMMUNITY IN ITALY

As part of the aggressive growth and development drive of the new leadership of the Yoruba National Community in Italy under the new President, Elder Kolawole Oladele, a new association of the Yorubas will be inaugurated in the city of Bergamo, North of Italy on Saturday 30th of July.

According to a statement given to our correspondent by the National Publicity Secretary of YNCI, Mr. Abayomi Banjo, the program will start at 4pm in No. 18 VIA Zanica.

Expected at the inauguration are delegates and members of the association all over Italy including the National Vice President, Mr. Kehinde Eniola other executives and all presidents of regional and provincial Yoruba communities across Italy.

Part of the activities of the day to be chaired by the chairman, Chief Olanrewaju Igbin is the inauguration of various standing ad-hoc and standing committees to work with the new national executives.

The president of the chapter, Mr. Olalekan Durowoju enjoined everyone to be punctual and music will be supplied by the popular Italy based Afro Juju crooner, Mr. Yemi Campary and his Optimum Melody band.

17/06/2022

Simply Saka Talks About Issues In Yorùbá Movie Association

17/06/2022

Father Mbaka Tackles Peter Obi... Declares 'A Stingy Man Cannot Become Nigeria President'

A Stingy Man Cannot Be Our President, Father Mbaka Declares
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The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has declared that a stingy man cannot be the president of Nigeria.

He said this in a viral video, which was from a Wednesday service at his ministry in Enugu.

In this video, he said, “A stingy man cannot be our president. We are already hungry. We need a generous person. Nigerians are hungry. Are we not hungry?”

14/06/2022

Nigeria Ambassador hosts Yoruba Leaders in Italy

Nigeria Ambassador to Italy, His Excellency Mfawa Omini Abam has lauded the new attitude of Nigerians in the diaspora to promote the greatness of the nation abroad. He made this commendation when the National leadership of the Yorubas in Italy went to pay him a condolence visit on the death of his father, Chief Usani Omini Abam.

The delegate of the Yoruba National Community in Italy was led on the visit by it's president, Mr. Kolawole Oladele and the immediate past National President of the association, Dr. Dayo Shonaike. Other leaders present were Mr. Abayomi Banjo (PRO), Mr. Olabode Adewale (Secretary) and Mr. Kehinde Eniola (National Vice President).

The Ambassador thanked the association for the visit and used the opportunity to commend the sense of cohesion and the growing trend among Nigerians resident in Italy to be good ambassadors of the country.

In his remark, the president of the association, Mr. Kolawole Oladele commended the open door policy of the Ambassador and the way he has been addressing the issue of passport and consular services around provinces and regions in Italy that has made lives easier for Nigerians living in Italy. He implored the Ambassador to step up the mobile consular services because it has made lives easier for people.

Finally, Mr. Kolawole used the opportunity to inform and invite the Ambassador to the forthcoming Yoruba Cultural Day in Italy coming up in the month of September

12/06/2022

BUHARI LAST SPEECH AS PRESIDENT ON DEMOCRACY DAY

11/06/2022

Popular Lagos Lawyer Attacks Sanwo-Olu! *Says, This Governor Has Abandoned Governance To Become Tinubu's Unofficial Campaign Manager

Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has accused the Governor of Lagos State of abandoning governance after the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress.

He said this in a statement on Saturday titled, ‘Sanwo-Olu and governance in recess’.

Adegboruwa, who was one of the members of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Restitution for Victims of SARS-Related Abuses, warned the governor on spending the state’s resources on Tinubu’s campaign.

“Since the declaration of the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwoolu has abandoned governance in Lagos State.

“He is the unofficial campaign manager of Tinubu, his media strategist and personal anchorman. The Governor has hardly been in office.

“It was the Governor that declared the ban on motorbikes but he is not on the ground to monitor the daily crisis occasioned by the declaration, though commendable but needs careful enforcement.



“The rainy season in Lagos is always a bitter experience for Lagosians in flooding, heavy traffic and other casualties, but the Governor has not been on his seat to address issues related to this. Crime has been on the increase in Lagos lately.

“No doubt state resources will be involved in these campaign activities and most government officials will cash in on the absence of the Governor to also abandon their responsibilities, either to pursue their political other business interests.

“There are many more grave consequences attendant upon the decision of the Governor to abdicate his constitutional responsibilities in pursuit of the political ambition of the APC presidential flag bearer.

“From all the foregoing, I do hereby appeal to Governor Sanwoolu to return to Lagos and assume his constitutional responsibilities of functional governance. His Excellency was not elected as Campaign Manager of politicians but as an administrator.”

09/06/2022

Behold Simply Saka As He Talks About Love Life ...Says, For 18 Years, I have Never Slept With Another Woman

09/06/2022

Man In Police Net For Making Up Fake Story Of Boko Haram Invasion In Ogun

Men of Ogun state police command on the 7th of June 2022 arrested one Wakilu Ogundairo for making a voice Whatsapp note in which he raised false alarm of Boko Haram terrorists invasion of Imosan ijebu with cache of arms, and circulated same on social media, thereby causing panick in the mind of law abiding citizens.
According to the statement signed by Ogun State Police public relations officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, he said the suspect was arrested when the voice note went viral and people from all work of life started calling the command's emergency number expressing concern over the safety of their loved ones in ijebu ode and ogun state as a whole.
The commissioner of police, CP Lanre Bankole, then quickly directed the DPO obalende division to move into the area and find out the authenticity of the said WhatsApp voice note.
In compliance with the CP'S order, the DPO Obalende division, SP Salami Murphy, moved into the area for thorough investigation. In the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the only people in that location were farm labourers from Benue state who are carrying out their legitimate business devoid of any form of violence.
Having found out that the viral voice note was a false alarm, the DPO and his detectives there and then embarked on technical investigation which eventually led them to the hideout of the man behind it.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to custody.
On interrogation, he confessed that he only make the voice note to scare members of the public and that there is no invasion anywhere.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, CP Lanre Bankole has ordered a thorough investigation into the past activities of the suspect, with the view to charge him to court as soon as possible.

09/05/2022

Almajiri Community Secures Nomination Form For President Goodluck Jonathan As Pressure To Run For Presidency In 2023 Thickens

Northern group of the Fulani extraction Normadic Pastoralists and the Almajiri Communities has obtained the Presidential nomination and expression of interest forms for former president Goodluck Jonathan.

The group stormed the International Conference Centre, Abuja, late on Monday to obtain forms for the former president.

08/05/2022

Three Armed Robbery Suspect To Face Prosecution In Ogun

Men of Ogun State police command on Saturday 7th of May 2022 arrested three members of an armed robbery syndicate after attacking and robbing a company in the Ogijo area of the state.
The suspects, Shadrach Blessing 25 years, Edibo Peter 25years, and Osuwgu Oyebuchi 27 years were arrested following a distress call received by policemen at Ogijo divisional headquarters that, suspected armed robbers have invaded Ruthfort Service Limited at Ikorodu Sagamu road Ogijo.
The robbers who gained access to the companies at about 2:45 am through the fence pointed guns at the security man on duty after cutting the security wire and ordered him to lie face down while they removed four industrial batteries.
On receiving the distress call, the DPO Ogijo division, CSP Onatufeh Umoh, quickly led his patrol team to the scene where the robbers who have already escaped to the street were chased in collaboration with members of the public and apprehended three amongst them, while others escaped.
Recovered from them are the four industrial batteries.
Meanwhile, the commissioner of police, CP Lanre Bankole, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for discreet investigation.

06/05/2022

Yoruba Presidential Aspirants In The Forthcoming General Election Must Eschew Disunity, Electoral Violence - Yoruba Global Council Warns S-West Aspirants

The Yoruba Global Council (YGC), a foremost and prestigious Yoruba Diaspora-based socio-cultural organization, was established to advance the course and interest of the Yoruba nation through the promotion of unity, mutual trust, and trade liberalization, co-existence, and interactions with other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and the Diaspora.

We are also committed to deepening democracy by fostering the ethos, values, and healthy practices of representative government in the South West and Nigeria in general.

We seek to use this medium to send strong admonishment to all presidential aspirants of the Yoruba extraction, especially those in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), to shy away from divisive or politics of acerbity and eschew electoral violence as the country prepares for the 2022 primaries and 2023 general polls. To put issues in proper perspective, YGC warns all Yoruba presidential aspirants, particularly those in APC such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incumbent Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and Pastor Tunde Bakare to be circumspect in the way and manner they go about their political ambition.

They need to, at this momentous time of our history, resist the game plan of the fifth columnists and foes of the Yoruba nation who are bent on taking the presidency away from the Yoruba come 2023. YGC believes that 2023 presents another golden opportunity for the Yoruba to produce the next President for the Federal Republic of Nigeria and divisive politicking or politics of ego and self-centeredness among those jostling for the number one seat must not be allowed to jeopardize such a prospect.

History is replete with circumstances in which the Yoruba lost their coveted territory of Ilorin to the Fulani owing to over-ambition and egoistic attitude demonstrated by Atiba. It would be succinctly recalled that it was the ambition of Atiba to become the Alaafin, at the expense of his brother, Alaafin Oluewu, that led to the painful loss of Ilorin to the Fulani today. Another trait of disunity played out during the June 12 struggle in which prominent Yoruba sons and leaders left Chief MKO Abiola in the lurch, thereby making the race lose the most exalted seat in the land. Must the Yoruba presidential aspirants and committed stakeholders to the Yoruba course and interest allow history to repeat itself by allowing charlatans and political contractors to infiltrate their camps and lead them to perdition? YGC says categorical NO to the ploy and Machiavellian scheme of the adversaries of the Yoruba nation this time around!

Given the aforesaid, YGC enjoins all Yoruba presidential aspirants, especially the APC Heavyweights, to sheath their swords, come together, play ball and find a common ground through which a credible, reliable, responsible and capable Yoruba son will be fielded to represent our collective interest and aspirations as well as those of the larger federation – Nigeria. YGC is not in any way averse to the idea of one federated Nigeria but on the proviso that such a federation is built upon egalitarianism, justice, equity, inclusiveness, and a sense of belonging for all sundry.

Besides, it has been, over the years, observed that every election cycle poses a potent threat to the sustainability of our nascent democracy and the democratization process. Since 1999, developments leading to each election year had been and have continued to be characterized by political assassination, brigandage, hate speech, gruesome abduction, grandstanding, implosion occasioned by lack of internal democracy (especially after party primaries), and anti-party activities among other encumbrances.

All of these unnecessarily heat the polity and create palpable fear in the minds of the electorate – a development that compels them (voters) to abdicate their franchise on Election Day. YGC unequivocally decries these dangerous preludes to our elections and canvases for a quick change of the obnoxious narratives.

Based on the foregoing and in line with our mandate and unassailable commitment to advancing the collective interest of the Yorba race both at home and in Diaspora and in fostering peaceful co-existence, we reiterate our warning by calling on all illustrious sons and daughters of the Yoruba nation – seeking the presidency, to embrace unity and a sense of political camaraderie by according Yoruba interest premium priority ahead of personal ambition.

YGC also uses this medium to appeal to all political aspirants, party leaders, and critical stakeholders to play a prominent role in the advocacy for peaceful, free, and fair elections at both primary and general levels ahead of the 2023 general polls. Democracy can only thrive when all stakeholders eschew all forms of electoral violence but seek to embrace peace in all its ramifications before, during, and after the 2023 general elections. Elections will come and go but the indivisibility of the nation and its people's unity must remain intact. It is to this end that we crave the indulgence of all players and gladiators in the electoral arena to support our advocacy for peace by contributing to the creation of a secure and peaceful atmosphere that guarantees the conduct of free, fair, and peaceful elections, especially in Yorubaland and indeed, Nigeria come 2023.

We are utterly aware of the qualities possessed by each of the Yoruba presidential aspirants that have declared their interest to run and we repose sheer confidence in their sense of leadership, charisma, capacity, responsibility, diligence, and commitment toward a better Nigeria and Yoruba nation, but every one of you cannot be president at the same time. Hence, a common ground must be sought and worked upon which will bring to the fore the most capable, reliable, and trustworthy Yoruba candidate for the presidency.

In keeping the peace and jettisoning electoral violence, all players and critical stakeholders must again work assiduously in ensuring their campaign trains and parties’ supporters keep to the rules of the game (as enshrined in the Electoral Act) and report the activities of any unscrupulous elements that may wish to thwart the process to the law enforcement agencies for appropriate action.

In summary, YGC fervently believes it is Yoruba time and moment to produce the next president for the country going forward, and all efforts to torpedo that dream by enemies of the race by pitching one Yoruba aspirant against the other will be fought with every resource at its disposal.

Once again, YGC recognizes PEACE as one of the critical ingredients that will guarantee the successful conduct of the 2023 primary and general elections, and all hands have to be on deck to keep the peace.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria! Long Live the Yoruba Nation! Long Live Yoruba Global Council (YGC)!!!

Signed:

Prof. Lere Amusan,
Spokesman, Yoruba Global Council.

Prince Segun Akanni,
General Secretary, Yoruba Global Council.

Email: [email protected]