The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Aare Gani Adams, has restated his strong belief in restructuring of Nigeria.
Adams said: “For Nigeria to have genuine unity, the issue of restructuring must be taken care of urgently.”
Aare Adams made the submission on Monday when prominent representatives of the Lagos State chapter of Arewa Council of Chiefs and top members of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum visited his Omole Phase 2, Lagos home on a courtesy call.
He said the foundation of Nigeria’s unity is regionalism, a system where the various federating units develop at their own pace.
He said: “We have to perfect Nigeria to a country that we can be proud of.”
Adams, who described the issue of killings by Fulani herdsmen as a sad reminder of what Nigeria is known for, added: “On daily basis, what we hear about the Fulanis of the past negates the stories we hear now, and this is sad.
“The stories started filtering in from the North Central and metamorphosed to the South West where people were killed and properties, including several hectares of land, destroyed.
Victims of such dastardly acts, Adams said, included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae; Chief Bisi Rotipe; and former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Samuel Afolayan, who have engaged in farming for over 30 years.
He said: “I am using this opportunity to appeal to you and at the same time ask for your cooperation on the best way to end the unnecessary killings by the herdsmen.
“The issue of the herdsmen is a security threat to the Yoruba nation and because of your integrity as a people, you must do something urgent about this.”
Adams, who harped on unity and peace in the country, expressed appreciation on the visit, saying the Yorubas are very accommodating:
He said: “I am proud to say that the Yorubas are the most accommodating race in Nigeria.
“We have a history of the various ethnic nationalities in the country living with us for more than 300 years.
“There is a lasting synergy between the Oodua People’s Congress and the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, top Niger Delta groups, the Eze Ndigbo and other ethnic groups.”
Responding, the President of the group, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, said they were on the courtesy call to congratulate Adams on his new position, adding that the relationship between him and the Aare dates back to over two decades, particularly during the time of the struggles.
Shettima said: “Aare Adams is my brother who has been championing a just cause.
“Given his antecedents and past struggles, I have a number of reasons, including my personal experiences, to say Aare is most qualified for the prestigious title.
“He deserved the title, that is why we are here as a people to celebrate with him, and I hope one day, we shall change the narratives of this nation.”
Shettima spoke about the state of the nation, saying Nigerians are suffering.
He said: “The level of hunger in the country is alarming.
“It is sad that Nigerians are suffering and this is occasioned by bad leadership.
“The issue of the herdsmen is highly politicized and the North is not against restructuring.”
No fewer than 30 members of the two groups were present at the meeting.
They were Alhaji Umaru Yunusa, Chairman, Lagos State chapter of Kingmakers Council of Arewa Chiefs; Alhaji A. Abdullah, the Marafan of Lagos State; Alhaji Rabiu Sidi, Seriki Hausa Ajegunle; Alhaji Sulaimon Bala, Secretary; and Alhaji Isa Mohammed among others.
