Yoruba coalition supports new Alaafin, asks opposition to drop court cases

The newly elected Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abimbola Owoade deserves the support of all Yoruba people across the world, the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement, (AYDM) said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The coalition said since the choice of His Imperial Majesty, Alaafin Oba Abimbola Owoade, the AYDM has embarked on diligent investigations and findings on his background and pedigree saying the coalition is impressed by his past and present.

The AYDM is the biggest coalition of Pan Yoruba groups spread across Nigeria and the West African coast.

The statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, Secretary for Mobilisation Chief Kunle Oshodi and Chief Rafiu Oriyomi, representing Yoruba community in Ivory Coast said Alaafin Owoade is the best in the circumstances to meet the spiritual, physical, economic and political aspirations of all children of Oodua across the world.

‘We call on those who have gone to court to withdraw the cases. We call on Oyo Mesi to embrace peace and work with the new Alaafin. The AYDM as the coalition of Pan Yoruba groups has agreed to support the new Alaafin. We urge the opposition to his emergence to join hands to rebuild the floundering fortunes of Yoruba for the greatness of Africa,’ AYDM said

The coalition however warned that those who wish to continue to oppose the new Alaafin will face the wrath of Yoruba Nation.

‘The new Alaafin is a man of integrity. He is highly educated in the tradition and heritage of Yoruba people. He is humble, versatile on Yoruba matters and has a comprehensive programe of transformation of Yorubaland for the good of humanity’ AYDM said

It noted that for the first time in a very long time, IFA was consulted to pick the Alaafin according to timeless tradition of Yoruba people.

‘The position of Alaafin of Oyo is not only significant to Oyo, it is status that signifies and upholds Yoruba political history in the most remarkable manner which has been acknowledged all over the world. It dignifies Africa and the black race. We are on the threshold of history. Based on the history of Alaafin Owoade, a great King has emerged who fits into the expectation of Yoruba people all over the world

AYDM’s coalition includes prominent groups such as the O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), Agbekoya Solidarity, South West Professionals (SOWPROF), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), ANACOWA (representing Okada riders in the South West), Network for Yoruba Alliance (NENA), Oodua Students Congress (OST), South West Women Coalition (SWEC), the Covenant Group, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC New Era),Oodua Peoples Congress, (Reform), Green Peoples Environmental Network, (GREPNET-a member of the International Alliance on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forest based on Thailand, Network of Community Based Organsations in the South West, (NECOSW), Itsekiri Emancipation Movement, (IEM)South West Vigilante Groups, (SWVIG) among many others.