•••says Yoruba unity not negotiable
•••unveils nucleus working executives
By Bode Akinbode
Following reactions that trailed the the inauguration of the Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE)in Ibadan barely two weeks ago by some Youruba elders, the President of the socio-cultual group , Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde has stated that the body was not formed to antagonize or be at variance with any other Yoruba groups in the country
He made this known on Saturday during the organization’s maiden press conference held at Oduduwa House, along Iwo-Road in Ibadan the Oyo state capital.
Recall that Chief Onigbinde, a renowned football technocrat , administrator and former coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria was appointed as President of the CYE during it’s inauguration at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan on August 31, 2023 .
According to Chief Onigbinde the objective of CYE is to bring together all the various Yoruba socio- cultural groups to speak with one voice in the interest and progress of the race and the nation at large.
” Let me say this clearly, the CYE is not at variance with any other body , we are not quarrelling with anybody, there can be one thousand and one Youruba groups , what we are set to achieve is to bring all these groups together
” We are not at war with anybody, we have our target and if anybody wants to come in , he or she is welcome, we are not antagonizing anybody, we are not enemy to anybody, ” he stressed
In his address, Chief Onigbinde said “The core mandate of CYE is to ensure that we are in best position to play our roles for the interest of our race and our country at large, and for us to achieve this, we must be united, all hands must be on deck, we must forget all our differences, for now we don’t have a one voice as a race, we must all come together, put our resources, knowledge and wisdom together, it is through this that we can have a one strong voice, it has to be collective efforts.
“This organisation is open to all Yoruba sons and daughters both at home and abroad for ideas and support of any kind, we formed this organization with the good intention of moving our country forward, the interest of our race is paramount on our agenda and for us to achieve this, our unity is non negotiable.” he said.
The Modakeje born High Chief urged other Youruba socio-cultural groups and their leaders to be focused and not be distracted from their mission and vision in building a strong Nigeria
” Whether you believe it or not, the Yorubas in terms of vision are the strongest but we are easily distracted and what causes this distraction are personalization of issues.
” Let us focus on where we are going, we in this organization believes that Yorubas are strong and can be stronger and that we can use our strength to build Nigeria “,he urged
As part of measures towards ensuring the smooth running of the organization, Chief Onigbinde announced the setting up of nucleus working executive members as well as other critical committees juat as he called on interested experts and professionals of Yoruba extraction within and outside who may be willing to join the herculean task of nation building f to indicate interests via its temporary national secretariat in Ibadan
Some of the pro tem exco of the Council include; Dr Victor Taiwo, Secretary General; Hakeem Danmola,National Treasurer; Erelu Tijani, National Financial Secretary; Mr Lanre Ogundipe, Publicity Secretary; Elder Taiye Ayorinde, Chairman Mediation and Reconciliation committee; and Prince Bowofade Aderemi, Legal Adviser
Others are ; Retired AIG Bola Alonge, Security Adviser; Chief (Mrs) Simisade Kuku, Chairman Women Affairs; Princess Dorcas Amusan-Fagborun, Chairman Diaspora; Mr Muhammed Babatunde Aliyu, Chairman Public Awareness; Prof. Olukayode Ogundoro, Administrative Secretary as well as states Chairmen, and committee chairmen.
Chief Onigbinde disclosed that Chief Mrs Erelu Dosumu Abiola, the Yeye Oodua of Yorubaland has been upgraded from her status as the Vice President of the group to grand- patroness.
While using the opportunity to congratulate president Bola Tinubu over his election tribunal victory Chief Onigbinde said earlier that the next agenda of the organization is to pay homage to the Ooni of Ife , HIM Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II as well as to organize a civic reception for all key political office holders of Yoruba extraction to felicitate and table the request for the elevation of Yorubaland
Earlier In his welcome address, the Secretary General of CYE, who also doubles as the President General of Oodua Redemption Alliance, Dr Victor Taiwo said noted with dismay that hitherto , most notable Yoruba groups that are supposed to champion the cause and unity of the Yoruba race have been “polarized either by politics or personal interest.”
