Some Yoruba leaders yesterday held a summit in Ibadan, Oyo State capital,where they unanimously endorsed the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan, stating that he deserved commendation for yielding to the yearnings of the Yoruba nation through his National Conference initiative.

The summit had the theme “The National Conference, 2015 elections and the Yoruba nation”.

A communiqué issued noted, among other issues, that the recommendation of the conference, which said that each of the existing six geo-political zones be equally divided into nine states, was in line with the core value of the Yoruba nation, in which equity is ranked high.

The recommendation read in part “That the president be commended for the successful conduct of the 2014 National Conference which perhaps can be described as a very bold and in fact the most courageous step ever taken by any president since the return of democracy in 1999.

“That other profound recommendations of the Confab, particularly those that touch on devolution of powers, creation of states and community police; making prison service a concurrent matter; allowing each state to have its constitution; decentralisation of the powers over the establishment and management of railways, sea ports and airports; and development of solid minerals are central to the core interest of the Yoruba.”

The communiqué also said that the conference recommendation of rotational presidency among the six geo-political zones and the rotation of the position of governor among the senatorial districts of each state were in accord with the political aspiration of the Yoruba race.

It also noted that the race was committed to the unity of the country based on principles of justice, equity and the rule of law, with ample respect for cultural, religious and linguistic difference.

“We resolve therefore to fully back and work for the re-election of President Jonathan in the presidential elections as only this could guarantees the implementation of the Confab recommendations,” it stated.

Leaders in attendance include Chief Reuben Fasoranti, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd.), Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief Richard Akinjide, his daughter and Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Jumoke, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, former Oyo State governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao- Akala, Chief Olu Falae, Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, Senator Iyiola Omisore, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Otunba Gani Adams and others.

Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi also attended.

*Adapted from National Mirror *Jonathan

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