Barring any last minute hitches, the agitation for the restructuring of Nigeria’s political, economic and social structures will further reverberate on October 1, the country’s Independence Day, in Lagos as numerous prominent Yoruba leaders and self-determination groups converge to unveil a position paper designed to be presented at all the State Houses of Assembly in the South West geopolitical zone for deliberation.
The event, tagged: “Crusade for Restructuring,” being organized by pan-Yoruba socio cultural group, Yoruba Koya Movement, is aimed at ensuring that Yorubaland speaks with one voice on the agitation for restructuring.
According to a statement signed by the National Director of Research, Organization and Publicity of the group, Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, on Wednesday in Lagos, the paper, titled: “Yoruba Nation in Nigerian Federation,” that encompasses how Nigeria and by extension Yorubaland should look like after restructuring would be presented to the general public and members of the press at the rally.
The group, according to the statement, also announced that a committee had been constituted to formally present the paper in all the State Houses of Assembly in the South West so that all elected people’s representatives in Yorubaland could unanimously pass a motion calling on the Nigerian Government not to see the call for restructuring as a political agenda as being peddled in some quarters.
“All Aspirants seeking for elections into state and National Assemblies in South West will be invited to a debate on restructuring after the conclusion of primary elections of major political parties ahead of 2019 general elections so that they could all be held accountable thereafter if they breach their pledge,” the group said.
The rally/presentation, which will hold at Gani Faweyinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos, will be led by Afenifere Leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; Emeritus Professor of History and Second Republic Senator, Banji Akintoye; retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Tunji Alapini; former Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Lanre Towry-Coker; and Senator Femi Okunronmu.
Others expected to speak at the event are United States of America-based Medical Doctor and Social Activist, John Mabayoje; governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy in the 2015 general election in Lagos State, Bolaji Ogunseye; activists and pro-democracy crusaders, Yinka Odumakin; Otunba Yomi Alao; Dr. Ladi Awosika; Dr. Akin Fapohunda; and Comrade Willy Thomas.
Others are Prof. Tunde Fatunde, Tokunbo Sholu-Ekukanim, Prince Goke Omisore, Dr. Femi Adegoke, Otunba and the Convener of Yoruba Koya Movement, Otunba Deji Osibogun.
Several Determination Groups such as the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Hunters, Commercial Drivers, Drivers, Okada Riders, representatives of Labour Unions from private and public sectors and civil society groups are expected to attend the event, which kicks off at 8am.