The Yoruba Assembly has said the antidote to the lingering problems in Nigeria is to restructure the country along the pre-independence format, warning of dire consequences for any attempt to stage a military coup in the country.
After its conference, which drew over 1,000 people to Lagos, the group said a military incursion into politics now could potentially throw Nigeria into turmoil.
The group also warned about the latest reports that the Islamic State of West Africa is about to attack Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Osun States, saying that the Yoruba people are now compelled to organise themselves to resist the invasion in their quest for survival.
The group said it is worried about armed opposition to democracy, which appears 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 adventurers to stay away from politics.
Any attempt to truncate democracy at this moment will end up creating unprecedented violence,’ the Yoruba Assembly warned in the speech read by Hon Wale Osun.
The Yoruba Assembly said that though the military denied allegations of a military coup, it, however, said it has been the pattern for a certain cabal in the country to destabilise democratic structures once they perceive the loss of their stronghold on the political economy.
Yoruba Assembly said military intervention at this time will scuttle the economy, undermine free speech and destroy the gains of democracy since 1999, while setting the tone for ethnic violence across the country.
The group condemned the killings in Kwara, Kogi and Itskiri land, saying that attacks on children of Oodua anywhere are an attack on all.
It also called on the federal government to protect the Itsekiri in Delta State and the Yoruba in Kogi and Delta States.
“Yoruba in Kogi and Kwara are facing a declaration of war. Isekiti people are also facing historical justice with the protection of pipelines in their territories, which were handed over to their enemies. These situations can no longer be tolerated. Justice must be done before it is too late.”
The lead speaker at the conference was Hon Wale Osun. Other speakers were Chief Dele Asaju, Dere Jarikpe representing Itsekiri, a renowned journalist, Adewale Adeoye, leaders of Pan Yoruba groups, Rasaq Arogundade, Wasiu Afolabi, Rasaq Olokooba, and Taofik Adeyemi, among others. Dr Biyi Oyefule represented the Yoruba in Diaspora.
