Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams and the Pan Yoruba Group, Voice of Reason (VOR), on Friday, advised the Federal Government to deploy regionalism in tackling the various security challenges in the country.
Adams stated this while hosting the newly appointed leaders of the Yoruba group at his Ikeja residence in Lagos.
According to the Yoruba generalissimo, Nigeria “has lost the battle to secure the country to terrorists,” who daily inflict pains on hapless and defenceless citizens across the country.
He said that the formation of the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG) was in response to the prolonged security challenges bedeviling the region, assuring that the security group is always ready to secure the region.
Adams stated further that the visit by the leadership of VOR was in response to the growing concern of prominent Yoruba sons and daughters and other well-meaning Nigerians on the security situation in the South-West states.
He said, “I want to thank the leadership of VOR, a group of prominent Yoruba sons and daughters comprising intellectuals for this meeting.
“From their history, VOR has been consistent in promoting the ideals of true federalism.”
Chairman of the group, Otunba Olusola Adekanola, said the meeting with the Yoruba leader was part of the efforts to proffer a lasting solution to the security challenges in Yoruba land.
Adekanola said the VOR was concerned about the protracted security challenges in the country, saying regionalism remains the only solution to tackling the myriads of security challenges in the region.
The VOR boss said it’s worrisome that the region is becoming volatile due to the frequent attacks by the terrorists.
Adekanola noted that the role of the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland in terms of intelligence gathering and surveillance cannot be viewed with unseriousnes.
He added that VOR would continue to partner with the office of the Aareonakakanfo on matters relating to true federalism, insecurity and most importantly, the unity of the Yoruba race, which could help in securing the South West.
The Parakoyi Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Prof. Raheem Kolawole, in his remarks urged other prominent Yoruba groups to rally round the Yoruba generalissimo in his efforts to ensure that the South-West region is safe for the people.