O’odua group warns against religious extremism in Yorubaland

O’odua group warns against religious extremism in Yorubaland
A Pan Yoruba group, the Oodua Liberation Movement, (OLM) has warned groups promoting religious sentiments in the South West area to desist henceforth.
“Any attempt to introduce extremism to Yorubaland in what ever form or in the guise of any religion will spell doom for the perpetrators. The Yoruba people have a long and cherished history. We have existed centuries before Islam and Christianity were introduced to Yorubaland. We have traditional worshipers who may actually be in the majority. We strongly reject any attempt to Talibanise Yorubaland” the statement was signed by four OLM officials, the National Coordinator, Comrade Gbenga Awosode, his Deputy, Abdul Kareem Motajo, a member of the National Advisory Board, Mr Popoola Ajayi and the Organising Secretary, Mr Sunday Akinnuoye.
OLM said those promoting one religion over the other are “bigots that have no place in Yoruba history.”
The group stated that the Yoruba Nation is guided by spiritual, economic and political needs, adding that these needs are sought through stiff competition by individuals who work hard to attain them. It said that Yoruba also has a huge population of people who attend both mosques and churches, adding that in reality, all there is a meeting point for all the religions in Yorubaland which is the culture of the people. “In Yorubaland it is compulsory for traditional rulers to attend Mosques, Churches and to practice traditional religion as well describing such as the hallmark of Yoruba civilisation.
OLM stated “We condemn in very strong terms any attempt by Muslim or Christian groups to promote bigotry and religious fanaticism in Yorubaland. It is a dangerous wind. Any one who sows the wind will surely harvest a whirlwind. The main desire of Yoruba people is economic, political and spiritual development. This comes through competition of the individual since Nigeria runs a capitalist economy.”
The group said claims by any religion to be in the majority is callous and untrue. “There is no census to this effect. Any real Yoruba person who is not a bastard should be fully committed to the development of the welfare of Muslims, Christians and Traditionalists and even unbelievers since every family has an abundance of them.”
OLM said it will work with all the Pan-Yoruba and self determination groups to expose those it described as “agent provocateur and caliphate agents” bent on causing confusion and uncertainties in Yorubaland. The group however commends religious organisations like the NASFAT, Ansar Udeen, Ahmadiya and the Christian Pentecostal groups who have invested heavily in education and human capital development citing such as the hallmark of responsible organisations who mean well for their people.

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