By 'Femi Okutubo
The Pan-Yoruba summit of leaders and elders of the Yoruba nation, current and past Governors of Yoruba States, traditional rulers, Yoruba officers of various civic and professional agencies and Yorubas at home and in the Diaspora; has warned "that the General Elections scheduled to commence on Saturday, March 28, 2015 MUST not be postponed or jeopardised. Yoruba people will not countenance any form of unelected government, be it Government of National Unity, Interim National Government or howsoever described."
The summit organised by the Yoruba National Assembly was held at the historical Parliament Buildings within the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan. The Parliament Buildings hosted the Western Nigeria Self-Government Celebrations in 1957, where H.R.H. the Princess Royal addressed a joint meeting of the Legislature on 20th November, 1957, as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen. The Motion for the Independence of Nigeria, was also passed by the Western Nigeria Parliament as moved by Sir Anthony Enahoro.
Pan Yoruba Summit 2015
From left: Kayode Fayemi, Yemi Osinbajo, Alani Akinrinade, Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola at the Pan-Yoruba summit.
In an apparent reference to the recent activities of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) called for "the dismantling of all pseudo-security agencies that impede peace, harass and terrorise her citizens in order to enforce pre-determined agenda that are not consistent with the wishes of Yoruba people."
A high point of the summit was the call to vote the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential aspirant - Muhammadu Buhari, by the Olubadan of Ibadanland - Oba Samuel Odulana. His call was made by his representative at the event - the Ekerin Olubadan - High Chief Eddy Oyewole.
The summit which was convened by Retired General Alani Akinrinade had the Governors of Oyo and Osun States - Abiola Ajimobi and Rauf Aregbesola in attendance. Ogun State Governor - Senator Ibikunle Amosun was represented by the Secretary to the State Government - Taiwo Adeoluwa. Also in attendance were the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential running mate - Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former Governors of Ekiti State - Dr Kayode Fayemi and Otunba Niyi Adebayo; former Osun State Governor - Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senators Babafemi Ojudu, Olabiyi Durojaiye, Bayo Salami, and James Kolawole; and the National Chairman of the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) - Hon. Wale Oshun.