The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed his readiness to work for the unity and integration of the Yoruba people across the globe.
The Governor stated this while receiving a delegation of traditional rulers from Benin Republic led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba (King) Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan on Monday.
He maintained that the Yoruba race must remain united if they hope to achieve the much-desired growth in Yorubaland, noting that ”he is ready to work for the enrichment of the culture and economic expansion of the ethnic group.”
Governor Makinde noted that there could not have been a better time for the Yorubas across borders to collaborate and form a stronger bond of brotherhood through sharing of coordinated intelligence, even across national boundaries, as the rate of insecurity in the country means that there should be intelligence sharing among neighbouring countries, to assist in addressing the security challenges currently militating against the country.
The Governor equally appreciated the effort of the Alaafin of Oyo for being in the vanguard of fostering cordiality and unity of purpose among the Yorubas, stressing that ”the Alaafin’s fatherly role has become admirable to all and sundry.”
He said; “Baba (Father) knows our history and he has never misinformed us. Whoever wants to hear the truth about the history of Yoruba, Nigeria, and some significant events that have happened in the world, needs only to visit the Alaafin of Oyo’s palace. So, we that are Oduduwa descendants, Yoruba, irrespective of where we belong to, need to ensure that we enrich our culture, even across the divides.”
Governor Makinde assured them that his administration would enhance the economic activities in the State by exploring the opportunities that abound in places like the Okerete Market in Saki, which is supposed to be a border market that would serve almost everyone along the West African corridors.
“I was at the Republic of Benin at the earlier stage of our administration. As a matter of fact, on the agric policies of Oyo State, I visited Songhai Farm to try to know how integration could exist between us, because, for us, it is desirable socially, economically and culturally to come together,” the Governor said.
The Alaafin of Oyo equally emphasised that the traditional institution would not relent in its role of assisting the government to guarantee security of lives and properties within their domains.
In his remark, Emeritus Professor Anthony Ijaola recounted the historical antecedent of brotherhood among Yorubas from other countries, explaining that the harmony should continually be sustained.
The traditional rulers at the event included the Alaketu of Ketu Kingdom, Oba Adejumo Adesina and the Onimeko of Imekoland, Oba Benjamin Olanite Ilufemiloye.
Also in attendance were Olori Egbeyemi Adedunloye Akanni; Olori Olubukola Olanife; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Mosurat Sunmonu; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Senator Ayoola Agboola.
Others were the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun; Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategy and Political Matters, Babatunde Oduyoye and the Special Adviser on Tourism, Hakeem Ademola Ige, among others.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
