Stakeholders under the banner of the Yoruba Region Consultative Forum have called for comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria and the restoration of regionalism, advocating a federal arrangement that would grant greater autonomy to constituent regions.
The demand was made at a consultative meeting held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, where participants deliberated on the political, constitutional, economic and governance framework for a proposed Yoruba Region.
The forum was convened by Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Convener of Citizens Rebirth and Awareness Initiative (C-RAIN), as a follow-up to the Concerned Citizens Assembly held in Abuja.
Oladejo, in his welcome address, said the Abuja Assembly had mandated each proposed federated region to return to its people, consult widely, review its decisions and develop appropriate constitutional, territorial, economic and governance frameworks.
He stressed that consent must be the foundation of the restructuring process, noting that the objective was not necessarily to dismantle Nigeria but to establish a genuine federation in which autonomous regions would cooperate within a negotiated Federation of Nigerian Regions.
According to him, the proposed Yoruba Region must be founded on “consent, democratic participation, justice, inclusion, autonomy and mutual respect,” while protecting the rights and interests of minority communities.
He warned against any arrangement in which communities could feel conquered or excluded, insisting that there should be no second-class citizens in the proposed region.
The forum also reviewed reports and recommendations from an Abuja summit presented by Mr Gbogun Loko and Comrade Jare Ajayi, who said the summit proposed 17 regions and advocated people-oriented governance.
Chairman of the programme, Retired General Kunle Toogun, said the time had come for the emancipation of the Yoruba people, arguing that restructuring and regional autonomy would help address what he described as prolonged suffering and marginalisation.
Toogun, who reflected on his experience as a military officer defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, said some Nigerians had experienced deprivation of rights and entitlements, adding that the Yoruba people should have a government capable of addressing their peculiar aspirations.
Professor Gbade Ojo said the proposed Yoruba Region had the human and material resources required to become viable, citing its estimated population, common language, educational attainment, human capital and mineral resources.
Representing the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Oloye Dipo Oyewole expressed solidarity with the initiative, saying the council was working in tandem with the restructuring agenda. He also advocated the use of Yoruba language and reaffirmed support for restructuring.
Other speakers, including Pastor Paul Bankole and Comrade Adigun Makanjuola, called for greater regional autonomy, with Makanjuola advocating a confederal system and complete regionalism.
Participants included Princess Funso Oyenuga, Elder Yemi Soladoye, Chief Kunle Gbadamosi, Prince Ibrahim Adebara, Elder Banji Ogundele, Mr Kolapo Raji, Mr Olu Omotoso, Comrade Gabriel Ashaolu from Kwara State and Madam Toba Ojo, among others.
Oladejo said the next phase would involve wider consultations, resolution of territorial questions and development of a proposed Yoruba Regional Constitution covering governance, security, economic development, social welfare, fundamental rights and community participation.
