Daud Olatunji
In a bid to foster unity and development among the Yoruba people, Otunba Dr. Adebayo Odunowo, a prominent community leader and political figure in the All Progressives Congress Party (APC), hosted members of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, in his country home in Imoru-Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State.
During the courtesy visit on Friday, Dr. Odunowo emphasized the importance of unity among Yorubas for rapid development and urged Afenifere to embrace inclusiveness by welcoming other prominent Yoruba individuals into the group.
He highlighted Afenifere’s historical significance as a leading force championing the interests of ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
Dr. Odunowo urged Afenifere members to reflect on the principles of the group’s founding fathers, citing their remarkable achievements that garnered envy from other ethnic groups.
He particularly emphasized the need to preserve the Yoruba language, expressing concern about its classification as a vernacular in schools across Yorubaland.
Drawing from his international experiences, he highlighted the importance of indigenous languages in foreign countries and encouraged a similar approach in Yoruba education.
Commending Afenifere for the visit, Dr. Odunowo praised the foresight of late Yoruba leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo and other past Afenifere leaders in education and regional development.
He urged the visiting group to emulate their predecessors and actively participate in partisan politics to contribute to community development.
Highlighting the evolving Nigerian political landscape, Dr. Odunowo advised Afenifere to adapt to present realities by crafting new political agendas and fostering collaboration with other socio-cultural groups such as Arewa Consultative Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
He emphasized that collective efforts would facilitate achieving autonomy for local governments and the creation of new states.
Expressing his concerns about the relatively silent voice of Afenifere in recent times, Dr. Odunowo recommended the organization of seminars and awareness campaigns on political consciousness to stay relevant in the discourse of the nation’s affairs.
He commended the Ogun State Government for its recent recognition of traditional religion worshippers and encouraged Afenifere to collaborate with the government for the greater good.
Dr. Odunowo urged the group to engage in governance with sincerity, involving youth participation and addressing internal factional issues for a stronger and more impactful Afenifere.
The visiting Afenifere members included Chief Ebenezer Ogunlana, Mrs. Funmilayo Soyewo, Prince F. Adesanya, Princess Olubunmi Olujobi, Mrs. Omowunmi Olawale, Madam Ajani Olabisi, Mr. Adeleke Sosan, Mrs. Oladipupo Olayemi, Mr. Adesina Francis Sofuye, Mr. Adedoyin Orelaja, and Mr. Oluwole Adelowo.
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