By Akinwale Kasali
A coalition of Yoruba Groups under the aegis of O’odua Nationalist Coalition, ONAC, has expressed its full support for the Olu of Warri designate, Omo’Oba Tsola Emiko.
The Group said that Emiko deserves the full and unconditional support of Yoruba and Itsekiri people all over the world.
In a statement it issued after the group’s fact-finding mission to Warri, Delta State, the coalition of 35 different Pan Yoruba groups condemned attempts to distort the historical ties between Yoruba and Itsekiri through Chief Ayiri Emani’s court action.
The statement duly signed by ONAC Deputy Chairman, Chief Samuel Akindele and General Secretary, Omowumi Adebo said millions of Yoruba and Itsekiri people all over the world are disappointed with Chief Ayiri’s role in fuelling disunity and conflict in Warri and beyond.
ONAC said the position of Chief Ayiri that someone cannot become the Olu of Warri because the mother is Yoruba is embarrassing and a complete distortion of time honoured records.
“We are shocked by the position of Chief Ayiri. It is a known fact that Itsekiri is one of the sub ethnic groups of Oduduwa. There are some 25 sub-Yoruba ethnic groups. When the proponents of the Edict mentioned Itsekiri and Bini origin, they did not exclude Yoruba” ONAC said
The group said Chief Ayiri’s action has the potential of distorting history and creating discord between the children of Oduduwa
“The Bini Royal Family is a product of Oduduwa, the Yoruba progenitor. It means that any Royalty in Bini has iota of Yoruba blood. The same way there is hardly any Itsekiri family without a link to Oduduwa. For centuries, we have seen ourselves as belonging to one family. We urge Chief Ayiri not to put his name in the darkest part of history”
ONAC said the visits of its officials to Warri indicate that the new Olu designate is very popular and well accepted among majority of Itsekiri people, young and old, men and women adding that Chief Ayiri stands obviously in the minority.
“The plot by Chief Ayiri will not only create disaffection among Itsekiri, it will set in motion instability which is the least Itsekiri and Yoruba people need at this critical moment that unity of purpose is needed.
“Chief Ayiri does not need to fight the entire Yoruba or Itsekiri Nation. He should be conscious of history and how his role will be recorded. History is kind to peace makers but harsh on the path of those who nurture mischief and conflict. We advice Chief Ayiri to toe the path of honour and allow peace to reign for the prosperity of the Warri Kingdom.
“Yoruba people all over the world will be sending strong delegation to Warri to monitor court proceedings and also provide all the necessary support for truth and justice to be done in Itsekiri land”, the statement emphasised.
