The newly elected Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, deserves the support of all Yoruba people globally, the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM) said in a statement on Wednesday.
The coalition said since the choice of Oba Owoade, it has embarked on diligent investigations and findings on his background and pedigree, saying it is impressed by his past and present.
The AYDM is the biggest coalition of Pan Yoruba groups spread across Nigeria and the West African coast.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, Secretary for Mobilisation, Chief Kunle Oshodi and Chief Rafiu Oriyomi, representing Yoruba community in Ivory Coast, the group said Alaafin Owoade is the best in the circumstances to meet the spiritual, physical, economic and political aspirations of all children of Oodua across the world.
“We call on those who have gone to court to withdraw the cases. We call on Oyomesi to embrace peace and work with the new Alaafin. The AYDM as the coalition of Pan Yoruba groups has agreed to support the new Alaafin. We urge the opposition to his emergence to join hands to rebuild the floundering fortunes of Yoruba for the greatness of Africa,” AYDM said.
The coalition, however, warned that those who wish to continue to oppose the new Alaafin will face the wrath of Yoruba Nation.
“The new Alaafin is a man of integrity. He is highly educated in the traditions and heritage of the Yoruba people. He is humble, versatile on Yoruba matters, and has a comprehensive programme of transformation of Yorubaland for the good of humanity,” AYDM said.
The group noted that for the first time in a very long time, Ifa divinity was consulted to pick the Alaafin according to the timeless tradition of Yoruba people.
The group said, “The position of Alaafin of Oyo is not only significant to Oyo, it is status that signifies and upholds Yoruba political history in the most remarkable manner, which has been acknowledged all over the world. It dignifies Africa and the black race.
“We are on the threshold of history. Based on the history of Alaafin Owoade, a great King has emerged who fits into the expectations of Yoruba people all over the world.”
AYDM’s coalition includes prominent groups such as the O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC), Agbekoya Solidarity, South West Professionals (SOWPROF), Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA), ANACOWA (representing Okada riders in the South West), Network for Yoruba Alliance (NENA), Oodua Students Congress (OST), South West Women Coalition (SWEC), the Covenant Group, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC New Era), Oodua Peoples Congress, (Reform), Green Peoples Environmental Network, (GREPNET-a member of the International Alliance on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forest based on Thailand, Network of Community Based Organsations in the South West, (NECOSW), Itsekiri Emancipation Movement, (IEM)South West Vigilante Groups, (SWVIG) among many others.
