A group, the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM), has mooted the idea of establishing a forum for traditional rulers in the Southwest geo-political zone.

Following its meeting in Lagos on Monday, the group said it has set up a committee that could visit Yoruba traditional rulers in the six Southwest states, as well as Delta, Kogi and Kwara states towards establishing what it called the O’odua Council of Traditional Rulers.

A statement by the AYDM General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, said over 100 representatives from across the Southwest, Itsekiri, Edo, Kwara, and Kogi attended the two-day event. It added that the committee will also visit Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana. He said the lack of a common forum has continued to fuel division and lack of effective communication among people of the same father to the detriment of Yoruba people all over the world.

The statement reads: “Representatives also came from across West African countries. A first-class Oba in Ekiti, Onikun of Ikun-Ekiti, Oba Olusola Olatunde is one of those promoting the initiative.

A multi-award winning journalist and expert on peacebuilding and conflict prevention, Adewale Adeoye presided over the two-day meeting.”

The AYDM said the traditional rulers are by age-long convention, expected to defend the indigenous values of their people and protect their ancestral land physically and spiritually. The group said there are conflicts across Yoruba territories that can be easily resolved by the traditional rulers instead of waiting for the government to do so.

The statement added: “As we speak, there is no forum that brings all Yoruba traditional rulers together to the extent that when three Yoruba traditional rulers were killed the Obas did not speak with one voice. This is not good. There are growing challenges that demand a collective response. We are determined to have a platform for all traditional rulers who are descendants of Oduduwa. At this critical moment, Yoruba Obas must speak with one voice on common interests.”

The group said it was impressed by the response of traditional rulers contacted on the issue while praising Oba Olatunde for his forthrightness and his determination to ensure the platform of descendants of Oduduwa traditional rulers emerges.

Ajayi said the forum will address boundary issues, disputes within and among Yoruba communities, preservation of ancestral land resources, artefacts, history, language and culture. He said: “The forum will also address emerging threats and opportunities, as well as harness the strength and weaknesses of the region, particularly concerning preserving historic monuments and even the environment. (The Nation)

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