National Conference: Yoruba leaders seek Jonathan’s active involvement

A three-member committee was formed to harmonise the Yoruba agenda.

Prominent Yoruba leaders and socio-cultural organisations from the South-West on Wednesday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to midwife the planned national dialogue to make it successful.

The advice is contained in a communique issued at the end of a meeting of Yoruba Obas and leaders of thought.

The meeting, which held on December 3, was convened by Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, to deliberate on Yoruba position in the proposed dialogue.

The meeting was attended by notable monarchs, prominent Yoruba leaders and most of the socio-cultural organisations in the zone.

The communique was issued on Wednesday in Lagos by Yinka Odumakin on behalf of the participants.

It urged Mr. Jonathan to also ensure that the conference would give Nigeria a structure conducive to stability, peace, unity and progress.

The meeting commended the president for initiating the process towards the convocation of the dialogue.

“We commend the president for his initiative for such a dialogue that will address the various challenges of nationhood facing Nigeria which have not been addressed in the last 53 years.

“We enjoin Yoruba people in the South-West states, parts of Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Delta and Niger as well as Yoruba in the Diaspora to fully participate in all processes leading to the conference.”

It said that their participation in the meeting would enable the Yorubas to realise the aspirations for their autonomy within a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The communique said the meeting constituted a committee comprising Olu Falae as Chairman, Alani Akinrinade Vice Chairman, and Kunle Olajide as Secretary, to harmonise all agenda for the Yorubas.

(NAN)