The Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements has proposed the establishment of a forum dedicated to traditional rulers in the Southwest geo-political zone, according to a statement released after their meeting in Lagos on Monday.
The group announced the formation of a committee tasked with visiting Yoruba traditional rulers in the six Southwest states, as well as Delta, Kogi, and Kwara states, with the aim of creating what they termed the O’odua Council of Traditional Rulers. This initiative was supported by representatives from across the Southwest, Itsekiri, Edo, Kwara, and Kogi, who gathered for a two-day event, as detailed in the statement by AYDM’s General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi.
The committee’s scope extends beyond Nigeria, as it plans visits to Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana. Ajayi highlighted that the absence of a unified platform has perpetuated divisions and hindered effective communication among Yoruba people worldwide.
In his words, “Representatives also came from across West African countries. A first-class Oba in Ekiti, Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti, Oba Olusola Olatunde is one of those promoting the initiative.”
Leading the proceedings was Adewale Adeoye, a renowned journalist and expert in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, who chaired the event.
The AYDM emphasized the traditional rulers’ historical role in safeguarding indigenous values and ancestral lands, both physically and spiritually. They pointed out that these leaders are uniquely positioned to resolve conflicts within Yoruba territories promptly, rather than relying solely on government intervention.
The statement further noted, “There is currently no platform that unites all Yoruba traditional rulers, resulting in disjointed responses even in critical situations such as the recent unfortunate incidents where three Yoruba traditional rulers were killed. This lack of cohesion undermines our collective interests.”
Impressed by the initial responses from contacted traditional rulers, the AYDM commended Oba Olatunde for his commitment to establishing a platform for descendants of Oduduwa’s traditional rulers.
Ajayi outlined the forum’s objectives, which encompass addressing boundary disputes, intra-community conflicts, and the preservation of ancestral resources, artifacts, history, language, and culture. He added, “The forum will also focus on emerging challenges and opportunities, leveraging the region’s strengths while mitigating its weaknesses, including the preservation of historic monuments and environmental concerns.”
