…calls for peace, unity between Ooni, Alaafin
The Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide (YCYW) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently adopt and sign into law the Joint Regional Security Network Bill, a landmark legislative proposal aimed at integrating regional and community-based security outfits into Nigeria’s formal security framework.
This appeal was made following the successful National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Stakeholders’ Convergence held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a communiqué issued and signed by Alawode Rahmon Akintunde, the Council’s National Coordinator, the Council expressed grave concerns over the worsening state of security across Nigeria, particularly the persistent threats facing communities in South-West, Nigeria and other parts of the Country.
While saying that the Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide remains committed to peace, unity, development, and responsible leadership across Yoruba land and Nigeria, called on President Bola Tinubu, the South-West governors, and all elected Yoruba representatives to prioritise youth development, regional security, cultural identity, and inclusive governance as foundational pillars of national transformation.
On security reform and regional integration, the Council emphasised the urgent need for a total restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture.
“We urge the Federal Government to support the Joint Regional Security Network Bill to formalize and empower local security frameworks such as Amotekun and similar regional initiatives to protect lives and property, especially in underserved rural areas.
“The meeting urge Federal and State Governments to act swiftly in addressing the root causes of youth restiveness by investing in job creation, skill acquisition, and agricultural empowerment. Participants agreed that economic hardship remains a major driver of insecurity and societal breakdown.
“The NEC resolved to mobilize Yoruba youths as ambassadors of national rebirth, visionary leadership, and cultural preservation. It encouraged young people to embrace civic responsibility and become active participants in shaping the political and economic future of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole”, the communiqué read in part.
The communique further said the “establishment of a Think-Tank for Policy Innovation, the Council appointed Omoluabi Sunday Adebowale, YCYW Deputy National Coordinator, as Chairman of the newly formed Yoruba Youths Think-Tank. The platform will serve as an intellectual hub for ideas, research, and actionable strategies that address development challenges and promote sustainable leadership.
Expressing concern over reported tensions between revered monarchs, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, and Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Council made a humble appeal for reconciliation and harmony, while urging both royal fathers to find a common ground in the interest of Yoruba unity, peace and progress.
“The Council resolved to champion Yoruba cultural renaissance, by promoting regional cooperation, unity, indigenous identity, and economic self-determination across Yoruba-speaking territories”, the communiqué added.
Also, the Council announced plans to convene another quarterly Stakeholders’ Meeting in Ogun State, and to inaugurate Committees focused on agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, and youth mobilisation, adding that these Committees would also reach out to Yoruba descendants in the diaspora and work closely with royal institutions, community associations, and international partners.
