The Chief Convener and Secretary General of a new Yoruba group, Yoruba World Assembly, YWA, Comrade Victor Taiwo, has lamented the age-long disunity among Yoruba groups, noting that that has led to the prolonged separation among the people of the tribe.
Taiwo also said the birth of the Yoruba World Assembly was a reaction to the failure of previous attempt at the emancipation and security of Yorubaland.
While speaking during the maiden press conference announcing the birth of YWA, held at the NUJ Press Cente, Iyaganku, Ibadan, he stated that the disunity was making it hard for the Yoruba race to speak with one voice to fight for the same cause.
He noted that the purpose of floating the group was to bring all Yoruba groups to the project of Yoruba nation, ensure the unity of Yoruba worldwide, enhance peace and security in Yoruba land and to resist any attempt of domination or assault from any imposing ethnic group in the country, among others.
He stated further that with the state of helplessness Yorubaland had found themselves, there was disunity and lack of coordination among various organisations and the leaders.
“Nigeria is witnessing a lot of challenges bordering on security of lives and properties. So, there is a need for the convergence of all progressive and good intentioned groups for the united and central coordination under a credible leadership,” he said.
He disclosed that the Board of Trustee, BoT, of the group was made up of leaders drawn from each of the 17 sub-ethnic groups in Yorubaland.
Taiwo further added that the Governing Council of the group include the Chairman, Elder Taye Ayorinde, Secretary-General, Comrade Victor Taiwo, Director of Media and Publicity and Public Relations, Mr. Kemi Olaitan and Director, Finance, Treasury and Accounting, Mr. Bolarinwa Babayomi.
He however said the Governing Council of the group would be inaugurated within the next five days and any group willing to join must belong to an organisation.
The interim chairman of the group and Baale of Ekotedo, Elder Ayorinde, in his remarks, said Yorubaland was one of the bravest and most intelligent race in the world but lacked coordination.
He added that Yoruba sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora were looking for someone to liberate them.
“Yoruba is not built around any association, and we are not under anybody. We don’t want to be part of retrogressive government, what concerns us is the need for Yoruba development, progress and upliftment,” he said.
