Yoruba sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora, under the aegis of OoduaProgressive Union (OPU) have expressed worries about the state of insecurity and lawlessness in the country, especially concerning the menace of the Fulani herdsmen whose several attacks have left many dead, with several others maimed while properties worth several billion naira were damaged, appealing to the “federal government to find a lasting solution to the recurring issue.”

OPU expressed this worry in a communique it issued at the end of a 2-day World Congress it held between Thursday 25th and Friday 26th of January, 2018 at the Centenary Hall, Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State, copy of which was made available on Sunday to the Nigerian Tribune.

OPU has so far established its presence in 79 countries of the world where delegates came to attend the event.

In the 14-point communique issued at the end of the Congress, the delegates consequently moved in strong support for the restructuring of the country, demanding that every federating unit be allowed to develop at its own pace in order to enhance democracy and good governance in the polity.

This was just as the delegates advocated for unity and peace in Yorubaland, particularly among the various Yoruba groups and traditional institutions.

“The Congress is worried about the state of insecurity and lawlessness, especially on the menace of the Fulani herdsmen. We appeal to the federal government to find a lasting solution to the recurring issue.

“The Congress moves in strong terms in support and clamouring for the restructuring of the country and to allow every federating unit to develop at its own pace, so as to enhance democracy and good governance.

“The Congress also advocates for the unity and peace in Yorubaland, particularly among the various Yoruba groups and traditional institutions,” the communique said.

On the nomination and recent installation of Dr Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, the communique commended the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III for appointing the OPU leader into that exalted office, just as it equally commended various stakeholders in Yorubaland for their roles and support towards the emergence of the new Aare and his successful inauguration by the Alaafin at a colourful ceremony on Oyo town some days ago.

While wishing Alaafin, “a successful reign in good health, long life and sustainable blessing,” the OPU congratulated Adams on the honour, calling on all Yoruba sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora to rally round and support him in his quest to unite the Yoruba race.

OPU further in the communique  expressed its utmost gratitude to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), for the successful hosting of the 2018 edition of Oodua Festival and the warm reception accorded to all members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and OPU at his palace in  Ile-Ife, Osun State

It also commended the efforts of the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, for his immense support and contribution to the successful hosting of the just concluded 4th OPU World Congress in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

“The Congress expresses their utmost gratitude to His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Babatunde Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), The Ooni of Ife for the successful hosting of 2018 edition of Oodua Festival and the warm reception accorded to all members of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and Oodua Progressive Union (OPU) at Ooni’s Palace, Ile-Ife, Osun State

“The Congress commended the efforts of the Alake of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo for his immense support and contribution for the successful hosting of the 4th Oodua Progressive Union World Congress in Abeokuta, Ogun State,” the communique said.

It also appreciated all members and delegates from 79 countries for coming home to honor the Yoruba race, urging them to be good ambassadors of the race wherever they resided in the world, just as it as well lauded all members of the OPC for their support and unrelenting efforts at preparing the ground for what it termed “this epoch-making 4th OPU World Congress.”

Meanwhile, the communique said the 5th OPU World Congress in 2019 has been slated to hold in Akure, the Ondo State capital, with the host being the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade (Odundun II), while the 6th OPU Congress in 2020 comes up in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State to be hosted Ewi of Ado, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe (Aladesanmi III).