Yoruba Socio-Cultural organisation says no to protest in southwest.
Agbekoya Parapo, a Yoruba socio-cultural and farmers organisation, has warned those who are allegedly inciting violent protests in Lagos and other southwest states against the consequences, saying that those with ulterior motives should steer clear of the zone.
The statement read in part: “We are very much aware that Nigeria belongs to every one of us and that the dividends of democracy should and must be felt by every Nigerian. In view of the impending protests, there are a few salient questions and fundamental issues that the present youths, the opposition, and the organizers of the August protests need to understand to grasp the nature and complexity of the Nigerian state:
“We are using this medium to warn those who are hell-bent on destroying Yoruba land, including the promoters, organizers, and opposition to President Tinubu’s administration, to reconsider their plans and move their protests to Abuja and their respective states of origin, not Lagos and Yoruba land.
“Protesters should direct their grievances to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory. We will not condone any action that may destroy our heritage in Lagos State or any of the Yoruba states. Despite Lagos being the commercial hub of Nigeria, it holds deeper significance for every Yoruba person; it is the hope of the average Yoruba man. The destruction and agony caused by the #EndSARS saga still linger. Who could have imagined that the palace of the revered Oba of Lagos could be attacked, a sacrilege on our temple, by uncouth, uncivilized, and irresponsible people of other tribes?
“Our experience during the last #EndSARS protest is enough for our decision. The Southwest has yet to fully recover. The properties destroyed during that single attack were estimated to be worth billions of naira, with no compensation from the federal authorities.
“Most of our farmlands have been destroyed by herders, resulting in billions of naira worth of agricultural products being lost. Many of our farmers have been killed, and many could no longer go to their farms for fear of being killed.”
The group urged the governors in the zone to be more sensitive and proactive by showing greater commitment to the plights of the people in line with the ethos of Omoluabi being attributed to the region.
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