Ooni, Yoruba Leaders Task Jonathan on National Conference

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade and Yoruba leaders of thought have urged President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that he midwifes a proper conference that would give Nigeria a structure conducive to stability, peace, unity and progress of all sections of the country.

The call was contained in a communique released after a meeting of the Yoruba leaders at home and in the Diaspora held at the Oba Okunade Sijuwade Hall, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Tuesday.


The meeting convened by the Oba, was attended by prominent Yoruba leaders and leaders of most of the socio-cultural organisations to deliberate on the position of the Yorubas to the proposed national dialogue.

In the communique signed by the Publicity Secretary of the Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, President Jonathan was commended for initiating the process that would lead to the convocation of the national dialogue, which it suggests would address the plethora of challenges of nationhood facing the country.

The body endorsed the proposed national dialogue and called on the Yorubas in the six South-west states and parts of Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta and Niger States as well as Yoruba in the Diaspora to fully participate in all processes leading to the conference and the conference itself in order to realise the Yoruba aspirations for autonomy within a truly federal republic of Nigeria.

And as part of efforts to harmonise the Yoruba agenda to the dialogue and to integrate all Yoruba stakeholders, a committee consisting of notable Yoruba personalities was also inaugurated.

Chief Olu Falae was named the chairman; General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), Vice-Chairman and Dr. Kunle Olajide, Secretary while other members of the committee are to be announced soon after due consultation.

Among notable Yoruba leaders present at the meeting are; Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Mr. Olaniwun Ajayi, Chief Olu Falae, Gen. Alanni Akinrinade, Prof. Adenike Grange, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, Mr. Segun Ojo, Mr. Tokunbo Ajasin, Chief Adekunle Olaiya, Mr. Wole Aina, Prof. Opeloye M.O, Senator Tony Adefuye, Dr. Kunle Olajide, Dr. Awolowo Dosunmu, Dr. A.A. Akingba, Admiral Akin Aduwo, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Prof. M.O. Opeloye, Hon. Moshood Adegoke Salvador and Chief Gani Adams.

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