Oyo is a Pacesetter in Yorubaland— Makinde tells Tinubu, Afenifere

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Abdul-raheem Adebayo Lawal, has revealed that the Oyo Empire, known as “the Pace-Setter State,” was a strong Yoruba empire in West Africa and as such, not a push over on issues affecting Yoruba affairs.

He highlighted that the state’s stirring song (Asiwaju Ni Wa), which is suitable and has made it a leader, recounts the tale of its rich heritage, patriotism and service.

MOUTHPIECE NGR reports that the deputy governor made this statement on Sunday, shortly after Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), held a meeting with Yoruba Socio Cultural Group Afenifere in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

Lawal informed Ahmed Tinubu and other Yoruba leaders that His Excellency, “Seyi Makinde” would have attended the event in person to honor Afenifere’s invitation, but for the reception given to the nation’s current Chief Justice, Olukayode Ariwoola, who is from Oyo state, last night.

He noted that it is crucial to attend the program since it is about the Yoruba Issue and because it is an invitation from an elderly Afenifere former leader.

“Oyo State can not be wished away or relegated to the background on issues concerning Yoruba race considering the importance of the state especially Ibadan which is the headquarter of Western region and political head quarter of entire Yoruba tribes. It is considered incomplete if a representative from Oyo state, also known as an Asiwaju or pacesetter is not involved.”

“Although we don’t share the same political party, we do share the same culture, so we are concerned about issues that involves the Yoruba people.”

“When you look at the Amotekun for example, Governor Makinde made it work because of his unwavering support, and he understands how crucial it is to fortify Yoruba land’s security architecture.”

Prior to this, Asiwaju revealed how he persuaded President Muhammadu Buhari and other northern leaders to transfer power to the Southwest while enlisting the full cooperation and support of Yoruba leaders in advance of the upcoming general election in 2023. He did this by giving Reuben Fasoranti, the former leader of Afenifere, a copy of his manifesto.

He claims that the conflict was so intense that he didn’t get any sleep for a full week during the APC primary election, but in the end, the North showed him that Nigeria can endure by being united.

He emphasized that before his drama on national television, “Egbe Ki ni yi wa, Emi Lokan,” which he didn’t know would turn out to be a prayer for him, the northern governors, in particular Mallam Nasir El-Rufai and his counterpart from Kano State, Ganduje, all came together and declared that they will work for the South so that power would be shifted.

The position is for Southwest, and by God’s grace, he would carry the trophy home, Asiwaju continued, adding that one thing is certain: not one Yoruba among them did not support his presidential campaign.

Later, he explained to the former Afenifere leader that this is yet another challenge he must overcome before his official inauguration after election victory.

He also urged other politicians to join forces with him in order to advance governance across the Southwest.

The newly-inaugurated governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebamiji; the deputy governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; Baba Bisi Akande, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress; Senators Gbenga Daniel and Iyiola Omisore; the former minister of health, Professor Isaac Adewole; and other APC leaders and members were present.