NO INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP SHOULD DENIGRATE THE YORUBA OR UNDERMINE THEIR CAPACITY FOR ASSERTIVE GOVERNANCE - YDV.
The Yoruba people have demonstrated, over generations, their capacity for intellectual leadership, democratic governance, economic development, institution-building and peaceful coexistence. Our continued participation in the Nigerian project should therefore never be interpreted as an admission that the Yoruba lack the capacity to pursue autonomy or chart an independent political course.
The Yoruba will continue to remain part of Nigeria and exercise their collective political and cultural identity within the Nigerian federation for as long as this arrangement remains convenient, beneficial and consistent with their interests and aspirations. However, if circumstances eventually make it inevitable or necessary, the Yoruba reserve the legitimate democratic right to demand greater autonomy and to pursue such aspirations through peaceful, lawful and constitutionally recognized processes. Our current choice to remain within Nigeria must therefore not be misconstrued as an inability to stand on our own.
The Yoruba remain in Nigeria because we believe in political pluralism, peaceful coexistence, democratic engagement and the strength that can come from diversity. This commitment, however, must never be mistaken for an acceptance of incompetence, injustice, humiliation or disrespect.
YDV wishes to make it unequivocally clear that the Yoruba do not prevent any ethnic group from expressing legitimate aspirations, including aspirations for greater autonomy or self-determination, provided such aspirations are pursued peacefully and within the bounds of law and democratic principles. In the same spirit, we expect every ethnic group and individual to respect the Yoruba people’s identity, dignity, history, aspirations and legitimate interests.
No ethnic group has a monopoly of wisdom, dignity or political capacity. Nigeria belongs to all its citizens, and the country’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than a platform for ethnic contempt and mutual antagonism.
We therefore call for mutual respect among all ethnic groups in Nigeria. Respect must be reciprocal and sustained. The Yoruba have historically been recognised for their culture of civility, respect for elders and appreciation of constituted authority. This is deeply reflected in the Omoluabi philosophy, the ideal of a person of good character, integrity, responsibility, dignity and honour.
However, the Omoluabi ethos must never be misunderstood as cowardice, weakness or an inability to defend one’s dignity and legitimate interests. Peacefulness is not weakness; civility is not cowardice; respect is not surrender. A people can be courteous and accommodating while remaining firm in defending their identity, values and legitimate interests.
YDV particularly urges Yoruba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to continue to demonstrate the virtues of the Omoluabi wherever they find themselves. Our conduct must reflect the values of good character, intellectual excellence, responsibility, humility, discipline and respect for others.
To our young people, particularly Yoruba students studying in universities, polytechnics, colleges and other institutions of learning across Nigeria and around the world, we urge you to always remember the children of whom you are. Your behaviour, words and actions are not only a reflection of your individual character but can also influence how others perceive the Yoruba people.
Do not allow provocation to make you abandon the values that define you. Defend yourselves and your heritage intellectually, peacefully and courageously. Excel in your studies, respect other cultures, build bridges across ethnic divides and demonstrate through your achievements that the Omoluabi tradition remains relevant in the modern world.
YDV believes that Nigeria can only prosper when every ethnic group feels respected, protected and valued. We must reject ethnic stereotyping, derogatory language, unnecessary provocation and attempts to diminish the contributions or capabilities of any people.
The Yoruba seek neither the domination of others nor the subjugation of themselves. We seek dignity, mutual respect, justice, good governance and a Nigeria in which every people can thrive.
We call on political leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, students, intellectuals and citizens across the country to promote responsible public discourse and desist from rhetoric capable of deepening ethnic suspicion and division.
The future of Nigeria should not be built on ethnic insults or the denigration of one another. It should be built on mutual respect, justice, competence, democratic values and the recognition that every Nigerian people has something valuable to contribute to the Nigerian project.
Signed:
Debo Adeniran
08037194969
Convener, Yoruba for Democratic Values (YDV)
For Democracy, Good Governance, Accountability and the Welfare of the People
MEMBERS:
Ambassador Kunle Adeshokan
Alhaji Tunde Abioye
Ogbeni Kola Oluseye-Are
Alhaji Jubril Ogundimu
Kabiyesi Oba Olusola Olatunde
Ogbeni Francis Abayomi
Omooba Monday Atimiri
Alagba Dele Daramola
Ogbeni Funso Mojuba
Alagba Sola Omosola
Alagba Abiodun Sada
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