[FULL LIST] 2023: Yoruba youths set up unity committee over Tinubu, Osinbajo, others presidential ambition

Agbarijo Egbe Odo Yoruba (Grand Council of Yoruba Youths) has set up Yoruba Unity Agenda Committee over the presidential ambition of Yoruba sons such as former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun;  and Pastor Tunde Bakare.

In a statement issued on Monday by its President-General, Comrade Awa Bamiji, the group also debunked reports making the rounds on social media that it had set up a committee of South West leaders to convince Tinubu to step down for Osinbajo for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket.

“Our attention has been drawn to the fake news making the rounds on social media and being carried by some reputable media organisations as well.

“There is no committee of South West leaders headed by Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd) in existence at all, not to talk of it making efforts to convince the National Leader of All Progressives’ Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to step down his presidential aspiration for the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, because it will be a win-win situation for both of them at the end of the day.

“While we commend any good move to bring the  political gladiators in the South West together in love, especially all open and rumoured presidential aspirants in Yoruba land, it is also important that such move must be balanced, objective, consultative and highly acceptable to the generality of the people.

“We must at this stage recognise various reconciliation efforts that have commenced before now, from various groups and individuals, most especially from our traditional rulers, which is led by our two highly respected royal fathers, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Alaafin of Oyo and Ooni of Ife respectively,” the group said.

The youths, however, noted that ahead of the APC presidential primary and after due consultation with elders, they have come up with  proposed Yoruba Unity Agenda Committee to bring together “the open and rumoured  Yoruba aspirants, such as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Governor Kayode Fayemi; Senator Ibikunle Amosun and Pastor Tunde Bakare.”

Members of the commitee, according to the statement, include Gen. Alani Akinrinade (Rtd) (Yoruba Assembly); Alaafin of Oyo; Ooni of Ife; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (Yoruba Unity Forum); Dr Kunle Olajide (Yoruba Council of Elders); Prof Bolanle Awe (Yoruba Elders, Women’s Wing); Prince Tajudeen Olusi (Yoruba Elders, Men’s Wing); and Comrade Awa Bamiji (Yoruba Youths).

It added that the meeting of Yoruba Unity Agenda Commitee would hold in Ibadan, the South West political headquarters, in the coming days.

“In the interest of peace in  Yoruba land and to douse tension, the venue and date won’t be disclosed until when the notice of the meeting is ready to be made public,” the statement added.