Yoruba World Congress (YWC) has admonished all Yorubas residing in Lagos State to wake up and vote in favour of the integrity of Yorubaland in order to save the commercial capital of the South West from external aggressors willing to take over the state by force.
Addressing journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, YWC spokesperson, Engr. Babatunde Tolase alleged that the current agitation in the state is calculated at taking over the Yoruba economic centre, adding that Yorubas must wake up from their slumber to retain the pride of the land.
According to YWC, the aggressive laying claim to a particular candidate by a tribe, which Lagosians have over the years tolerated on their soil is a plan to forcefully take over Yorubaland.
The statement reads:
“We find it appalling that a set of persons or tribesmen will claim to cross other Yorubaland and come to lay claim to the land, our dear Lagos. Truly, the adage ‘B’eru ba pe nile, a maa bu alajobi’
“While we are not in anyway casting aspersion on our other brothers from the tribes, we would, as it is our mandate to, protect our land from external invasion.
“As we courtdown to the rescheduled Governorship and House of Assembly elections on 18th March, 2023, this briefing is a clarion call to all Yoruba Omoluabi that cuts across ten (10) states in Nigeria (Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta) that are residing in Lagos state to re-awaken their consciousness by exercising their franchise in favour of the integrity of Yorubaland.
“We have discovered that the present agitation is calculated to invade and take over by cooked means the Yoruba economic centre (our dear Lagos). We want to bring to your consciousness the wisdom of our fathers. “Bo nile o ba fura, ole a ko leru lo”.
“We must wake up from our perceived slumber and retain our pride as Omoluabi.
“As core Yorubas, we wish to state with emphasis that Gov. Babajide Sanwolu is the preferred candidate endorsed by the Yoruba World Congress and by extension, all Yoruba worldwide to hold the mantle of leadership of our dear Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu is a thoroughbred Yoruba man and from our assessment of his last three years and some months in the administration of Lagos, we all can attest to his capacity and ability to successfully move Lagos to greater height.
“The unusual and annoying laying of claim to a particular candidate by a tribe, which Lagosians have over the years accommodated and allowed to thrive on their soil is a plan to forcefully take over Yorubaland.
“We know that our magnanimity is being taken for granted. But we require and appeal to all Yorubas to stand tall the defence of our fatherland.
“Let us all come out enmasse for the sake of the unity of Yorubaland to vote in Babajide Sanwoolu to come back to compliment his hardwork. We all can testify to his good works and managerial skills.
“We appreciate you for vote for Babajide Sanwoolu is a drive towards Yoruba unity and stronghold in Lagos State.
Thank you ladies and gentlemen of the press for your time
“Oodua a gbe wa o.”