A diaspora group, Yoruba One Voice (YOV) has alleged that Fulani leaders routinely make threats against the Yorubas right inside the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
YOV made the allegation during a press conference held at the National Press Club in Washington DC, and aired globally via zoom.
The group stated that the agitation for Yoruba Nation had become imperative as the race could no longer “tolerate killer herdsmen in the South-West.”
It added that attempt to restructure Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari “is an exercise in futility”.
Chairman, Foreign Affairs Department, and organisers of the conference, Debo Adekoya, decried the “killings by Fulani herdsmen, supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
Adekoya lamented how the palace of a traditional ruler was razed, and business premises vandalized in Oyo.
“The latest was the attack on Chief Sunday Igboho’s residence where eight people were killed with wanton destruction to his property.
“Fulani leaders openly talk about their affinity to Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, boasting that any attempt to chase them away from Yorubaland will lead to more killings.”
According to him, the current agitation is not new, and is supported by millions of Yoruba all over the world.
He further stated that to subjugate the Yoruba people in the First Republic, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was jailed by “the Hausa/Fulani oligarchy” on trumped-up charges of treason.
The YOV chieftain recalled that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, won the 1993 presidential election, defeating his challenger, Bashir Tofa, a Kano native.
Adekoya accused the “Hausa/Fulani oligarchy” of arresting and killing Abiola for insisting on the validation of his victory.
Adekoya said in Nigeria, more than 60 million Yoruba who are highly industrious, intelligent and doing exploits all over the world are being subjugated by “the Fulani Oligarchy”.
“What we are seeking is simple: we want to direct our own affairs without interference because we have sufficient means for a comfortable livelihood and statehood”, Adekoya stated.