As parts of activities to mark the Yoruba National Day, President Bola Tinubu recently conferred Odu’a awards to prominent Nigerians in Ibadan in recognition of their contributions to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria and his electoral victory during the 2023 general elections.
Recall that September 23 was declared as Yoruba National Day in year 2000 based on decision of World Yoruba Congress held at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan under the then leader of Afenifere, late Senator Abraham Adesanya to commemorate the end of the the 16; years civil war in Yoruba land which lasted between 1870 to 1886.
The president, at the event organised by the President General, Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths) Comrade Awa Bamiji at the Western Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan, said the award to the recipients both living and dead to was to also appreciate and recognise their efforts at ensuring the unity of the country at large and the Youruba race in particular.
President Tinubu who was represented by a veteran Nollywood actor, Chief Lere Paimo, urged Nigerian youths to shun social vices, be of good behavior and respect elders for them to live long
The awardees of the 2023 Yoruba National Day are; former Oyo state governor, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Senator Olalekan Balogun and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
Others included Alhaji Tanko Yakassai ,former Chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum,Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum
Others: Alhaji Mujaheed Asari Dukobo, a former Niger Delta Militant Leader, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, Engineer Babatunde Fashola , Engineer .Dotun Sanusi, Bar. Oladosu Oladipo , Prof. Bolanle Awe and late Comrade Ola Oni
The Chairman of the occasion, former Lagos state military administrator, General Buba Marwa (Rtd) who was represented by a media guru and Baale of Ekotedo, Chief (Dr) Taye Ayorinde, explained that the event was primarily meant to say “a big thank you” by Mr President and this same Group to the electorate, for making their joint dreams become a reality.
“To whom much is given, much is expected”. Nigerians are now seriously yearning for the dividends of Democracy under this present administration but it’s unfortunate that at the same time, paucity of funds has made the Government to remove the fuel subsidy and therefore increased the pump price, but we must be patient with the Federal Government to get it right at the end of the day” he said
Chief Ayorinde emphasized the need for unity among the Yorubas urging that all hand must be on deck to sustain the peace and unity of the region.
He said the august gathering was to appreciate the consistency, resilience and untiring efforts of the organiser over the past two decades in celebrating heroes and heroines of democracy
In an interview with newsmen the representative of Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Comrade Jare Ajayi , a public affairs analyst, described the activities of the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths as commendable saying that it serves as a source of motivation for Youths and something that will be a point of reverence both now and in the future.
“It is a good thing that our heroes both living and dead are being remembered because it will serve as an encouragement for others to do well.
On the emergence of a Yoruba man as President of Nigeria, Comrade Jare Ajayi said though it is the first time Nigeria will have a democrat as its leader, Bola Tinubu who is of Yoruba extraction is not a president of Yourubaland , but President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“We are happy he contested the election democratically and he won and from the steps he has taken so far, we have the hope that Nigeria will be better off in the next few years and in areas where a lot of pains is being experienced right now , relieve will certainly come.
“We are commending Nigerians for voting him in and we are calling on the government to quickly take steps that will put smiles on the faces of the people and ensure that the pains people are experiencing is removed.
“On the clamour for Yoruba self determination, he said the position of Afenifere as a body has always been an advocate of restructuring of the country
“We believe that Nigeria has enough to take are of every nationality in the country, the important thing is to have true federalism where every areas will be in a position to determine its own affairs, in other words, if we have a true federalism through restructuring, some of the inadequacies we are having now socially, economically and politically would be addressed.
In their separate remarks the Chairman, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Yerima Shettima represented by Comrade Mohammed Kudu Abubarkar and Alhaji Asari Dokubo former Niger Delta Mititant leader also represented by Alhaji Adamu Yahaya while expressing appreciation for the awards called on Nigerians irrespective of their tribes and religion to be united for the progress of the country.
On his own remarks, the Olubadan of Ibadanland HIM Oba Dr. (Senator) Lekan Balogun represented by Princess Oyebunmi Orekelewa charged the Yourubas particularly the youths to ensure that it’s culture, language and tradition were not eroded by western cultures.
The organiser and Chief host at the occasion, Comrade Awa Bamiji explained that the rational for putting up the event was to commemorate the 137th year anniversary of the end of 16-year Kiriji War in Yorubaland following the signing of a Peace treaty on September 23, 1886
The Baale Aroro and two other Chiefs all of who came along with Baale Oladapo Wasiu, Baale Aroro Town, spoke on their behalf of Oyo State 10, 000 Baales Campaign Coordinator during the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Presidential Campaign.
The event was also witnessed by the Leaders of various Tinubu Support Groups across the country one of whom is Dr Musa Alongbija of Tinubu Legacy Forum.
Comrade (Mrs) Kehinde Ola Oni and Terkiya Alhaji Abdul Aadi O. Yusuff, representing Prof Sabitu Olagoke, JP, were also in attendance.
Packaged by Dare Raji
