A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, Asiwaju Rotimi Ajanaku, has lauded the continued political relevance of the National Leader of APC, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He described the former governor of Lagos State as a relevant factor in the actualisation of Yoruba unity and agenda ahead of the 2023 general election.
Ajanaku in a statement he personally signed and made available in Ibadan by his media aide, Prince Adebowale Adeoye, also called on Yoruba traditional rulers to stay away from active participation in politics and any act that could tarnish their hard earned respect, dignity and integrity.
While making clarifications on many issues relating to the future of Yoruba as a tribe in the present Nigeria and as a nation in the future, he described Tinubu as an indispensable catalyst to the actualisation of Yoruba agenda in 2023 and beyond.
The statement reads: “As Asiwaju Odo Oodua (Oodua Youths Leader), it becomes imperative that I speak on issues affecting south west states and Oodua agenda ahead of 2023 as well as unwarranted discussion on Tinubu’s presidential ambition, subsequent attacks on his person by some uninformed people and those planted by antagonists to draw the progress and advancement of south west region backward.
“Can anyone tell me the essence of teaming up against Tinubu when no one has actually established any of the baseless allegations raised by his accusers.
“Having cold-bloodedness against Tinubu especially now when Yoruba ought to work together in realisation of its projection in 2023 is unwarranted and against the spirit of our ancestors.
“Should we allow few politicians to deprive Yorubas of our right just because of differences or rancour between them and Tinubu? How sure are we that it is not a case of envy, rivalry, or jealousy. I am not against the idea of criticizing Tinubu, but there is need to make whatever criticism they like to engage in to be constructive. We shouldn’t tolerate baseless and damaging criticism at this time.
“Whether we say Yoruba agenda or Yoruba nation, speaking on political issues in Nigeria today, Tinubu is a Generallisimo in the south west. So a personality who is that relevant should be protected from political termites.”
While speaking on the need for traditional rulers in Yorubaland to be neutral, Tthe APC chieftain, Ajanaku said, “As custodians of culture, moral values and belief, Yoruba Obas should be upright in the protection, defense and promotion of Oduduwa territory and inhabitants.”
He added: “This is the more reason I’m of the opinion that our royal fathers should stay clear of active politics to enable them judiciously play the role of fathers and leaders as expected of them without favourism.
“Yoruba Obas should desist from bastardising the history on Yoruba’s origination, which, is a way of weakening the foundation and creating loopholes for the aliens to poke into our affairs.”
