South-West leaders unite to tackle security

Yoruba leaders across several self-determination, socio-political, and advocacy groups have established Yoruba Parapo, a central platform for unity, consultation, and collective action.

The leaders reached the decision after a series of consultations on challenges confronting the Yoruba nation, including insecurity, economic uncertainty, political marginalisation, and constitutional concerns.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Protem Administrative Secretary of Yoruba Parapo, Dr Olatunde Amusat, and made available to Saturday PUNCH.

Amusat explained that the platform was unanimously adopted following several meetings attended by leaders and stakeholders drawn from a broad spectrum of Yoruba organisations and interest groups.

He noted that participants reviewed the challenges facing the region and highlighted the need for a common platform through which Yoruba interests and aspirations could be articulated and advanced.

“During the deliberations, participants observed that other major nationalities and regions within Nigeria have established umbrella organisations that serve as rallying points for consultation, advocacy, dialogue, and collective engagement on matters affecting their people,” Amusat said.

“Consequently, the leaders agreed that the time has come for the Yoruba people to establish a similar mechanism capable of aggregating diverse viewpoints and translating shared interests into coordinated action,” he added.

Amusat stated that Yoruba Parapo would provide a broad-based and inclusive platform for engagement on security, economic development, cultural preservation, constitutional restructuring, regional cooperation, self-determination, and public welfare.

He emphasized that affiliated organisations would retain their respective identities, leadership structures, philosophies, and operational independence.

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“The platform is not intended to replace, subsume, or diminish existing organisations.

“Rather, it is designed to provide a common ground for consultation, collaboration, consensus-building, and collective decision-making,” he said.

He added that the establishment of the platform was a response to pressing realities confronting the Yoruba people, demanding strategic engagement and collective action.

Amusat noted that member organisations would be represented in the highest decision-making body of Yoruba Parapo to guarantee broad representation and inclusiveness.

He called on self-determination groups, socio-cultural organisations, traditional institutions, professional associations, community development bodies, youth and women organisations, religious leaders, intellectuals, and the diaspora to join the initiative.

Notable Yoruba leaders who participated in the meeting, held physically and virtually in Ibadan, included Dr Oriyomi Attey, Dr Paul Bankole, Chief Banji Ayiloge, Ms Olusola Ajetunmobi-Davies, and Mr Wale Adeoye.

Other participants were Mr Sina Akinpelu, Comrade Kunle Adesokan, Chief Kolawole Ilori, Dr Olu Omotoso, Dr Bayo Oriire, Baba Tax Omojola, Pastor Paul Bankole, Mr Dipo Akinsiku, Dr D.A. Aremu, and Dr Kunle Amusat.

He stated that the organisation’s motto is “Unity in Purpose, Strength in Action”.

Amusat added that Yoruba Parapo remained committed to dialogue, peaceful engagement, democratic values, mutual respect, and the pursuit of a prosperous and secure future for the Yoruba nation.