Makinde: We’ll Unite Fasoranti, Adebanjo in Yoruba’s Interest

•Lauds army for stable security in Oyo

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, yesterday, attended a meeting of frontline leaders of thought in Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, and proposed a reconciliation of the leaders of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

Makinde, who claimed to be committed to the process of ensuring peace, unity and progress of Yorubaland, however, declared that the cooperation of the Nigerian Army with the government and People of Oyo State was responsible for the stable security being enjoyed in the state.

The governor, who spoke shortly after the meeting held at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, declared that some frontline leaders in Afenifere, had decided to resolve the differences between the two leaders of the group, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

He stated that with the general election out of the way, it was time to begin the process of fostering unity in Yorubaland, noting that he and the other leaders of thought in the Afenifere were assured that once the two leaders come together, Yorubaland and Nigeria would have the desired unity.

“We are all aware of the issues between our two Afenifere leaders: Pa Ayo Adebanjo and Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Basically, partisan and election issues have come and gone and we are now talking about the unity of Yoruba race. So, these frontline leaders thought it fit to come together to start the process of seeking unity in Yorubaland.

“And we know that once our two Babas come together, we will also have the deserved unity in Nigeria. If you put it in proper perspective, whenever Yorubaland is united, Nigeria is united, and whenever we have issues and challenges in Yorubaland, it usually spirals into other parts of Nigeria.

“So, my being here is to demonstrate my support for the steps I have been taking and to also let them know that I am committed to seeking peace in Yorubaland. I can tell you that it is not something that we will procrastinate. We will get to work immediately and I am sure that we will get the desired result within the shortest possible time.”

The meeting was attended by Afenifere leaders like Abagun Kole Omololu, Afenifere’s Organising Secretary; Mr. Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary; Chief Eric Oluwole (Ondo); Mr. Dare Babarinsa (Ekiti); Chief Korede Duyile; Chief Leke Mabinuori; Rt. Hon. Bakkita Olufowobi Bello and Chief Diran Adesua.

Others were Afenifere leaders in the state like Dr. Gbola Adetunji (chairman); Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN); Chief Babatunde Tijani and Chief Mrs. Bola Doherty, among others.

Meanwhile, the governor hailed the Army for upholding professionalism while on duties, especially during national assignments, stating that his government would continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the Army.

Makinde made this submission while receiving the new Chief of Army Staff, Major-General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who paid a courtesy call to his office at the Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. 

According to the governor, the level of professionalism displayed by the officers on duty during the 2019 governorship election could not be overemphasised, adding that but for the Army’s unbiased stance, he would also not have won re-election in 2023.

“I am thankful to the Nigerian Army, especially the 2nd Division in Ibadan. I couldn’t have become the governor if not for the professionalism of the Nigerian Army. I also wouldn’t have been reelected if they had been partial.”

Congratulating the Chief of Army Staff on his elevation as well as the troops on the occasion of the Army’s 160th anniversary slated for Ibadan, he noted that Oyo State has continued to remain a stable state in terms of security due to the commitment and cooperation of the Army with the people of the state.

Major-General Taoreed Lagbaja, speaking earlier, said the visit became imperative for the Nigerian Army to intimate the governor of its 160th anniversary holding in the state, and pledged to partner the state government to further ensure peace and stability in the state and beyond.