The President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide, Aare Oladotun Hassan, has declared that the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, remains a unified body with no faction, affirming that its only recognised leader is Chief Reuben Fasoranti.
Aare Hassan made the assertion during a media chat with journalists on Saturday at the Ooni's Palace in Ile-Ife, where issues of Yoruba and national interest were discussed.
The Council leader dismissed speculations about a leadership tussle within Afenifere following the death of one of its foremost leaders, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing such assumptions as premature and unfounded. He insisted that the leadership structure of the organisation remains intact under the guidance of Chief Fasoranti.
"There is only one Afenifere, and it is premature for anyone to start thinking of replacing the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo — may his soul rest in peace — when Baba Fasoranti is still very much alive. What we need now is to prioritise the collective interest of Yoruba progress above personal political ambitions," he said.
On the clamour for Yoruba secession, Aare Hassan maintained that while Yorubaland possesses the resources and historical backing to stand independently, the Council does not support the breakaway of the region from Nigeria.
He noted that the Yoruba people were pivotal to the creation of Nigeria and that the region holds a substantial share of the country's resources. He, however, expressed concerns over the lack of unity among Yoruba leaders, which he described as a major threat to the region’s development.
"Yorubaland has everything it takes to stand alone — from resources to historical influence — but we must not forget that Nigeria belongs to us. The foundation of this nation is deeply rooted in Yoruba contributions. However, my fear is that breaking away without unity among Yoruba leaders could spell greater danger than the present situation.
"Our position as a Council is to sustain the call for a constitutional review, particularly a return to the 1953 constitution, which established regional governments with greater autonomy."
On traditional institutions, the Yoruba Council Worldwide leader advocated for the autonomy of Yoruba traditional rulers, describing the current system that subjects monarchs to the authority of local government councils as a colonial legacy that must be abolished.
He called for the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs to provide a distinct administrative structure for traditional rulers and shield them from undue political interference.
He further proposed the creation of a fourth tier of government that would grant full autonomy to traditional institutions, with a guaranteed 20% derivation from the Federation Account.
"Kingship and chieftaincy affairs in Yorubaland have always been exclusively traditional. However, the colonialists imposed democracy on us, and we adopted it. But it is unacceptable for our revered monarchs to remain under the control of local government authorities," he said.
On the national economy and security, Aare Hassan lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration for its ongoing efforts in sustaining the economy and improving security. He particularly commended the recent upward review of the daily feeding allowance for Nigerian soldiers from ₦1,500 to ₦3,000, describing it as unprecedented.
He acknowledged the recent victories recorded in the fight against insurgency and banditry but called for the establishment of a National Joint Local Security Network to strengthen grassroots security across the country, similar to the Southwest Security Network (Amotekun).
"The current administration has demonstrated commendable commitment to the welfare of our military personnel, and the results are evident in the recent victories recorded in the fight against insurgency and banditry."
He urged the federal government to explore every possible option, including the temporary importation of essential commodities such as rice, to stabilise the skyrocketing prices of food items, adding that Nigerians want to buy a bag of rice for ₦10,000 again.
On the lingering fuel crisis, he advocated for the adoption of modular refineries to enhance local production, prevent monopoly, and ultimately reduce the price of petroleum products. He also called for a National Policy on Economic and Monetary Planning that would prohibit the use of the dollar as a means of exchange in the country and prevent incessant naira redesigns.
Aare Hassan urged Yoruba sons and daughters globally to rally behind the Yoruba Council Worldwide in its mission to promote unity, defend the interest of the race, and foster sustainable development across Yorubaland and beyond.
"Our call is for unity, not division. We must come together to defend our heritage, promote development, and strengthen our voice within the Nigerian federation," he said.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide is a non-political socio-cultural organisation committed to advocating the interests of the Yoruba race globally. The Council continues to play a pivotal role in championing the cause of the Yoruba people through dialogue, diplomacy, and development-driven initiatives.
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