Yoruba Obas in Benin meet, support Igboho, writes President Patrice Talon
By Celestion Kofi, Cotonue
Traditional rulers of Yoruba origin have vowed to support self determination activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, (Igboho) who is currently standing trial in Benin Republic.
Irohinoodua correspondent in Cotonue was informed that Aare Ona Kakanfo, Iba Gani Abiodun Adams was instrumental to the convening of the meeting held in that country.
Traditional rulers who attended the meeting were the President, Yoruba Traditional Council of Obas, HRH of Ajowon of Ajowon land, the HRH Abeso Alajase of Ajase land, HRH Onimase of Imase land, HRH Oniorije of Oori land, HRH Onilase of Ilase land, HRH of Krake of Krake land in Seme, HRH of Ogumba of Ogumba land, HRH of Towe of Towe land and other Chiefs .
The Yoruba in Benin Republic began to settle in the area around 11th century. Ketu, pronounced as Ketou in Benin is one of the historical Yoruba towns tracing its past to Oduduwa. Ketu is one of the traditional sixteen Kingdoms founded by Oduduwa.The population of indigenous Yoruba in Benin Republic is about 1.5million people.
The King of Ajowon said: “After much deliberation, the other kings have advised me to write to the President. I will also write to the Minister of Justice and Minister of Interior. I will write it after this meeting. I will endeavour to deliver the letter to the President of Benin Republic personally for quick response. After that, the kings will visit and discuss with the president and also invite the press to report it. We will also meet with the ministers. The visit to the Ministries is not an issue. The real focus is meeting with the President. We will try our best and we hope everything works out fine for us. Thank you”.
Mr Tolulase, a traditional chief in Benin who attended the meeting said “By God’s grace, what we have said is what we are going to do. By God’s grace, Sunday Igboho will not suffer. Our fathers are assuring you that Sunday Igboho who is our son, father and brother will be released in Benin Republic by God’s grace.”
