The Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has said he can roll out one million people to deliver the Yoruba region from herdsmen invasion.
He said, “The Miyeti Allah is taking out their plans one after the other, while the eastern governors kicked against it, our governors are trying to be diplomatic about the matter. We won’t allow insecurity to overwhelm us. We will not allow it to distract us from pursuing restructuring.”
Adams was speaking at the presentation of the Yoruba translation of his autobiography titled ‘Awo’ by Alaroye, an event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, to revisit the legacies of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
The event attracted prominent Yoruba leaders including the Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Alabi; Chief Ayo Adebabjo; Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Dr Gani Adams; Ambassador Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosumu and Mr Yinka Odumakin, among others.
In his contribution, Adebanjo accused South-West governors, except Governor Makinde, of paying lip service to the issue of insecurity for fear of not offending a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Bola Tinubu.
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Commenting on the nation’s security woos, Alaafin said, “At the national level today, we have unprecedented state of insecurity culminated by kidnapping, Fulani herdsmen harassment and all sorts of criminality that have enveloped Yorubaland today.
“The Yoruba are proud of their harmonious relationship with indigenous Fulani which has spread over many centuries. Such relationships have led to inter- ethnic marriages and business entrepreneurships. At that time, cattle herders carried stick to direct the movement of their cattle. It was unlike now when supposed herders are armed sophistically like soldiers. At that time, farming and rearing were complementary unlike now where they are targeted against each other.
“As far as I am concerned, there is no solution to the current national challenge than the restructuring of our federal system to the glorious old days with some modifications where necessary. As of now, the centre is too powerful beyond any mortal capacity to supervise and superintend the whole national security.”
On his part, the spokesperson for Afenifere, Odumakin, appealed to traditional rulers to warn South-West governors against giving herders land for Ruga settlement.
In her presentation, Awolowo-Dosumu said, “We call this gathering in the name of our father, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. I am so delighted to see the Alaafin of Oyo here.
“Awolowo was the Premier of the western region which covers eight states of the present government.
“I encourage Yoruba elders to be visionary and not to forsake their visions. Awolowo never forsook his vision for the Yoruba race, and that’s why we’re all benefitting from it.”