A prominent chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of Tinubu Mandate Group, Ondo State, Pastor Olufemi Bakare, has declared that all Yoruba-speaking states should not participate in the proposed nationwide protest.

He warned those who were behind the proposed nationwide protest not to disrupt the existing peace in the South-West.

Pastor Bakare claimed that the brain behind the proposed nationwide protest are non-Yoruba.

A statement signed by the APC chieftain reads in parts: “It has come to our attention that individuals from outside Yoruba land are planning to stage a protest in Lagos with the aim of shutting down the economy and causing chaos in the state. This ulterior motive is not in the best interest of our people and must be condemned.

“While peaceful demonstrations are a legitimate way to express grievances, the fear is that this particular protest is driven by ill intentions and may be hijacked by hoodlums seeking to sow discord and destruction in our beloved Lagos.

“We, the people of southwest Nigeria, will not stand idly by and allow outsiders to come and wreak havoc on our land. We urge Yoruba sons and daughters to resist being used as pawns in this destructive agenda and to instead focus on building our communities and supporting the development efforts of our leaders.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to painstakingly restore our nation’s glory with commitment to improving the economy and infrastructure of Nigeria, and we must not allow external forces to undermine his progress.

“Let us remember the Yoruba adage that warns against throwing stones at our ancestral home and instead work together to protect and preserve our heritage.

“Yoruba Ronu, let us remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity. We will not allow our detractors to divide us or lead us astray. Together, we can ensure the peace and prosperity of our Yoruba states for generations to come.” (Daily Independent)