Over 100 Yoruba groups have chosen September 7 to make their position known on the current agitation for restructuring.

The gathering which would hold in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, would also address the issues bothering on the current secession agitation across the country and proffer workable solutions to the ongoing debate.

Chairman, Organizing Committee for the Grand Rally of the Yoruba Congress, Dr. Kunle Olajide who addressed a press conference on the rally said the Yoruba nation would take a crucial decision that would affect the future of Nigeria.

At the press conference were prominent Yoruba leaders including Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Prof. Banji Akintoye, among others.

Olajide noted that the congress which is non-political would be chaired by Elder statesman, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, saying it is a one-agenda rally to take a position on restructuring.

He Nigeria is going through a difficult phase requiring that all patriots across the country must rise up to find a lasting solution to the problems.

He said the current federal structure is lopsided in favour of the centre, saying there is the urgent need for devolution of power to the federating units.

According to him, the failure of the current system is evidenced in the high number of out-of-school children, growing population of Internally Displaced Persons, increasing poverty level, over 65 per cent unemployment, among other woes currently besetting the nation.

The elder statesman said the Yoruba nation fared better in the 50s and early 1960 before the incursion of the military, noting that the 1999 constitution which he said was foisted on the nation is not working.

He said, “The Yoruba have been at the forefront of maintaining unity in this federation. We are very accommodating, we do not threaten anyone, hence we must be able to make as much progress as permitted by our talents and abilities.

“The Yoruba as a nation is now united. We prefer to exist within a Nigeria where we are guaranteed safety and progress. We believe it is in the interest of all for this country to be reorganised in such a way that power is devolved to the federating units.” (Daily Trust)

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