Ibadan Explosion Has Exposed The Type Of Leaders We Have In Yorubaland – AOKOYA

By Ayodele Oni

Apapo O’Odua Koya, (AOKOYA) said on Saturday that the response of politicians and leaders of the Yoruba race to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state early in the week fell short of expectation.

It stated that politicians and traditional rulers in Yorubaland  failed the entire race by their passive reaction to the incident.

According to the group, “The attitude of Yoruba politicians and traditional rulers to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State is an indication that they represent the worst set of leaders in Yoruba history.”

The group pointed out that since the explosion, neither Yoruba traditional rulers nor politicians have visited the site while they have failed to show deep concern expected from responsible leaders.

“Both the Senator and House of Rep that represent the Bodija constituency have not visited the area as we speak.

“Ibadan is the political headquarters of Yoruba Nation. There is no Yoruba family from Lagos through Kwara, Kogi to Itsekiriland that does not have a family member living in Ibadan.

“The explosion was an assault on Yoruba heritage. But as we speak, Yoruba Senators, House of Representatives, State Governors have not visited the site not to talk of giving the required support to victims.

“This is the height of irresponsibility on the part of these self acclaimed leaders”, AOKOYA said in a statement signed by Col. Abimbola Sowunmi (rtd) and Ahmed Korede

AOKOYA added that “compared with Northern politicians and Emirs, Yoruba political class is callous, irresponsible, self-driven and rabidly anti people.”

The group maintained that the growing gap between Yoruba elected representatives and the people they claim to lead is responsible for the very low turn out of voters across Yorubaland.

“It’s a shame. Yoruba know those who claim to lead the traditional institutions and the political space are not for them. They are for themselves.”

The group recalled the swift response of Northern political leaders to the Kaduna drone attack that killed Northerners.

“Senators from the northern part of Nigeria donated N58 million to families of the victims of accidental military drone airstrike in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna.

“The Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), Abdul Ningi, led a delegation to visit the victims and donated N58m. The Northern Senators also donated 109m jointly from their salary.

“The Northern caucus in the House of Representatives donated N48m. These happened within few hours after the incidence.

“The Kaduna mistaken drone strike was raised in the National Assembly prompting immediate very serious concern.

“The Sultan of Sokoto also donated money while many Northern Emirs and religious leaders in the North paid visits immediately after the blast and took decisive decisions with the Sultan promising to ensure justice.

“Where are the true Yoruba leaders? This incidence has further exposed them. Days after the Ibadan deaths, nothing tangible has been done by those who claim to represent Yoruba in politics and in culture.

“They have not caused the National Assembly to intervene and none has visited to donate money or blood to the victims.

“Yoruba traditional rulers and politicians this weekend were sighted attending parties and visiting their girl friends while many of them were hosting various social events without a heart for Ibadan and the victims killed in the most cruel manner.

“There is a tragedy of leadership in Yorubaland. The worst set of traditional rulers and politicians currently sit on the seat of power.

“They have no sense of history. They have no agenda for the Yoruba Nation. They are in power for personal gains and for profit. They are happy to feed on the misery and agony of Yoruba people.

“We reiterate our commitments to Yoruba Nation. We urge Yoruba people all over the world to support the on-going efforts for Yoruba Nation that will rid and purge Yoruba territory of street criminals and rogues who have seized the political and cultural space for profit.”