Top Yoruba leaders are expected to meet in Ibadan next Thursday to deliberate on the future of the Yoruba nation in the current political dispensation.
The Summit conveyed under the aegis of the Yoruba Patriots Movement with the theme “Yoruba Nation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” and which would hold at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, is coming at a time of a deafening agitation for restructuring in the region.
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The Summit, according to the Secretary, Planning Committee, Engr. Adekunle Olayinka will deliberate on the prevailing and future socio-political challenges as well as prospects of Yoruba nation.
He said the conference would focus on issues that border on the welfare, security and mutual coexistence of Yoruba people within a peaceful, stable and united Nigeria.
According to him, the summit would be held physically and virtually in strict compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.
The Summit, to be co-chaired by General Alani Akinrinade, former Chief of Defence Staff and High Chief Rashidi Ladoja and former Governor of Oyo State, will have in attendance present and former governors as well as notable past and present political office holders in the six southwest states of Lagos, Ekiti, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo.
He said the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Professor Yemi Osinbajo will declare the Summit open, while prominent traditional rulers in Yorubaland would also participate in the summit.
Prominent Yoruba political chieftains and opinion leaders expected at the Summit include Afenifere patriarch, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Chief Afe Babalola, Aare Gani Adams, amongst others.
Key resource persons for the Summit include Pastor Tunde Bakare, Latter Rain Assembly; Dr. Yemi Farounbi, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Phillipine; Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation; Professor Ayoade Oduola, Director, University of Ibadan Research Foundation.
Others are Professor Siyan Oyefeso, Director General, Centre of African Culture, Osogbo; Professor Adegbenga Onabamiro, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan and Senator Smart Adeyemi representing Kogi West.
“A communiqué on the way forward that approximates the concerns and expectations of Yoruba nation in Nigeria will emanate from deliberations at the Summit,” the Secretary said.
