The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, has called on the Yoruba people to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of unity and national progress under Yoruba leadership.
Oba Gbadebo made this appeal on Thursday, during a courtesy visit by members of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, led by their Global President, Ala Hassan, at the Ake Palace in Abeokuta. The visit comes ahead of the 17th anniversary of the Oolua Festival, scheduled for May 1, 2025.
Call for Unity, Not Secession
In his address, the monarch condemned recent agitations by some groups advocating for the secession of the Yoruba people from Nigeria. He questioned the logic behind such calls at a time when a Yoruba son holds the nation’s highest office.
“We have received letters from some groups advocating for Yoruba withdrawal from Nigeria,” Oba Gbadebo said. “But how can you talk of breaking up the country now that a Yoruba man is President? This is the time to rally behind him and show the world that things can work better under Yoruba leadership.”
The monarch stressed that the Yoruba have always been at the forefront of excellence in Nigeria and now have a unique opportunity to demonstrate this leadership capability.
Vision for a Better Nigeria
Oba Gbadebo further expressed hope that under the current administration, Nigeria can move closer to achieving the dream of a more united, prosperous nation.
“This is the time for the Yoruba to show that we are civilized and ready to take Nigeria to the heights of our dreams. With the grace of God, we will achieve it,” he declared.
Strengthening Yoruba Solidarity
The monarch also applauded the efforts of the Yoruba Council Worldwide for fostering unity beyond state boundaries. He highlighted the importance of an all-encompassing Yoruba umbrella body that ensures lasting peace, security, agricultural development, and grassroots empowerment.
“Every Yoruba state has its council of elders, but we now have a broader platform to sustain unity and growth,” he said. “This includes the promotion of food security, agricultural empowerment, and good governance.”
Oba Gbadebo stressed the continued relevance of traditional institutions, noting that historically, kings (Obas) played a central role in governance and should remain key partners in national development.
As preparations for the 17th Oolua Festival intensify, the Alake’s call echoes a broader vision for a more united Yoruba nation, committed not to isolation but to national transformation, using the opportunity of a Yoruba presidency to build a Nigeria of collective dreams.
