Urges S’West govs, others to protect Yoruba’s heritage, Awo’s legacies
A group, under the aegis of Concerned Oodua Defendants, yesterday, in Ibadan, protested against the leadership style of the Acting Leader of pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.
It, however, urged South-West governors and leaders of the region to rescue the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo from the jaw of Adebanjo.
The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, such as “Adebanjo must leave Afenifere as acting leader,” “Don’t destroy Awolowo’s heritage’’ and “Rescue Afenifere from Adebanjo’s jaw,’’ headed to Oyo State Secretariat Complex where they were received by Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (rtd).
Co-ordinator of the group, Lai Gboluaje, said that the call for Adebanjo’s removal became necessary to sustain Yoruba’s heritage, adding that whoever leads Afenifere must be in support of whatever Yoruba people are all about.
Gboluaje, while calling on the governors and leaders of the region to prevail on Adebanjo to step aside as the leader of the group, said Adebanjo had over-stayed in the organisation, adding that the acting leader is no more relevant to the group.
He said that Adebanjo’s stand against his kinsmen, particularly after the just-concluded presidential election, is uncalled for.
Gboluaje noted that former leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, should take back the mantle of leadership so that the group could be rejigged and reverted back to its original philosophy.
Meanwhile, Odukoya, while addressing the protesters, said: “This peaceful protest is welcome and I will deliver your letter and message to the governor, Seyi Makinde.”
