Ekiti State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, has urged Yoruba leaders to guide against enemies within their ranks that are out to rubbish their efforts at calling for the restructuring of the country.
He stated this in Ibadan during a meeting of Yoruba leaders tagged, “Yoruba standpoint on restructuring.”
The occasion was convened by Dr Kunle Olajide and chaired by Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
A statement from the office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, quoted the governor as saying that it was unfortunate that efforts by some people to move the Yoruba land forward were being thwarted by some people within the race.
” Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and others have done their best and played their part. But what we have now is that some elders are our biggest problem. This kind of a programme that many eminent people have contributed some much to put in place, they will soon go on radio and television to say there is need for restructuring.
“To me there is no alternative to restructuring. We must face the reality. I align myself with the call for going back to our previous regional arrangement and structure. If we call for that and they say there is no way, then let them give us our own republic.
” We are not asking anybody to leave or that we are saying we want to leave, but enough of playing a second fiddle in our own land.
“Our forefathers bequeathed this land to us and we have a right to live as true sons and daughters of this country,” he said.
Governor Fayose said some state governors who would have loved to be at the event could not do so for fear of political reprisal.
He called on the youth to also brace up for the challenge of leadership in the future.
Meanwhile, Dr Olajide, in his speech, said the gathering was to chart the way forward for the Yoruba nation.
Aare Babalola said it was time for a people-oriented constitution. Goodwill messages were delivered by Chief John Nwodo of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Chief Albert Horsfall.
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