The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, has called for unity and oneness among the Yoruba, saying through unity development can be accomplished.
Oba Adeyemi spoke on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) in Ibadan.
The monarch, who chaired the event, noted that some elements were trying to divide the Yoruba, but warned that the people must be careful and ensure unity.
He emphasised that people must love and be peaceful for unity to be achieved in the region.
“Some people want to divide the Yoruba but we should be very careful. We should continue to live in peace, one love and unity so that we can have the desired development. There is no love within us in Yorubaland, and we have to learn how to live in love and peace within ourselves; and I can assure you that this will foster the development we are yearning for.”
Former Governor Abiola Ajimobi said the quality of the leadership of the CCII made him a proud Ibadan man, noting that the leadership style of the Yemi Soladoye-led council was worth commending.
He recounted that money was raised to build an ultra-modern palace for the Olubadan, but it was unfortunate the project was yet to be completed.
The ex-governor said he would contribute more to complete the project.
“During my tenure …we raised N240 million to build an ultra-modern palace for the Olubadan, but it is quite unfortunate that the palace is yet to be completed. But I will continue to contribute my efforts to make sure the project is completed.”
CCII‘s President-General Yemi Soladoye called on indigenes to contribute to development of the city.
He hailed the achievements of the last executive, saying the city was still a long way to go.
Soladoye said: “Despite the fact that we have made some modest progress in the life of Ibadanland, there is still a long way to go as a people. The fate of Ibadanland has been left for too long in the hands of nobody. Most of us see just the privileges of being Ibadan indigenes and not the responsibilities.
“The aspects of Ibadanland that is known to the rest of the world are a people that lack political unity, people with crisis in their traditional system, people with fragmented leadership and the most populated single ethnic group in Nigeria that does not have its own state, palace or united ethnic agenda.
“We are a people that do not appreciate our self worth and the leadership role we must play in Yorubaland. We are loved and respected by others, but we hate ourselves with passion.
“We are a people that prefer to cede our love to outsiders than to ourselves, and our fighting strength exhibited more at home than outside.”
Dignitaries present were the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; the Eleruwa of Eruwa Oba Samuel Adegbola; Chief Bode Amoo; Commissioner of Police Shina Olukolu, among others.
The Ibadan House headquarters of the council, a police station, among others, were also
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