Yoruba Legacy Forum
Comes On Board
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos
The
Yoruba leaders in south western Nigeria have formed a new
umbrella organisation called, the Yoruba Legacy Forum, under the
leadership of Mrs. Hanna Dideolu Awolowo.
The Forum would be a unifying organisation and rally point for
all Yorubas at home and in Diaspora.
How it debuts
New and old political office holders in Yoruba land on
Thursday, held a close door meeting at the late Chief Obafemi
Awolowo house in Ikenne, Ogun State Southwest Nigeria to agree
on the new name.
The leaders brainstormed on the peaceful way of solving
lingering political differences, acrimonies and in-fighting
among members of the Pan Yoruba socio-cultural Group, Afenifere.
After the meeting, another session was held during which they
resolved set up and ratify the formation of a Yoruba Legacy
Group.
Admonition
Briefing Journalists at
the end of the marathon meetings, Mrs Hannah Awolowo expressed
dismay at the attitude of former states governors in the
southwest to series of reconciliation meetings called to assuage
their feelings.
She explained buttressed the need for Yoruba political leaders
to be united, so as to push the demands and views of the region
in the sphere of national politics and make meaningful political
progress.
Mrs Awolowo recalled the outstanding qualities and contributions
of her husband, the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo toward the
growth and development of Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole.
Yeye Oodua, as she is fondly called, appealed to all Yoruba
leaders to bury their differences and forge a common front
irrespective of political affiliations or beliefs
Burying the hatchets
At the meeting, a former
Presidential candidate and Secretary to the Government of the
Federation, Chief Olu Falae, representatives of old and serving
state governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina of Oyo state and
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State bore their minds and
pledged their support for the new organisation.
Other decisions
The meeting equally
resolved that concerted efforts should be made to accelerate
peace process in Afenifere and amongst prominent Yoruba Obas.
Prayers were offered for the quick recovery and sound health of
President Umaru Musa Yar Adua.
