Still in unabashed pursuance of the Yoruba agenda

by

Soboyejo Awosika Coker

There is no question that the majority of the AD (Southwestern) governors have performed rather commendably halfway into their various administrations. The two exceptions to this order of commendation would however not come as a surprise to Functional Awoists including mainstream Yoruba families and politicians alike. The proven non-performers and sycophants in question are individuals that my mother would respond to if their names were mentioned in her presence, "Taa ni… taa lo bi?" Yes, who are they and what exactly is their background?

One thing will always remain a constant in Yorubaland as a function of the dynamic nature of that glorious culture and its people. The "class" system will always be a standard feature of the Yoruba Kingdom. However, unlike some other cultures worldwide where the class system is used as an instrument of oppression against the "less privileged" of the society, the "class system" as it obtains in the land of Oodua, serves as a rallying point for both the Yoruba masses and the nobility. The commitment of the Yoruba nobility to the masses (they derive their authority from the masses) through education and consequent socio-political empowerment, has over time led to the creation of a virile middle-class or bourgeoisie to act as a greater bridge between the nobility and the masses. The likes of the venerable Chief Gani Fawehinmi and the late Chief (Dr.) V.O. Awosika among others, far too numerous to mention, are reputed for sponsoring scholarship awards to thousands of students, many of whom they never even knew. This selfless sacrifice of countless numbers of well-to-do Yorubas should and must continue. As we all know, there is a calculated attempt to destroy the established economic and social infrastructure of the west (particularly education)… a grand design of the evil northern hegemony whose main objective is to stymie the continued progress and development of the west and by extension, the whole south.

It is therefore in light of this that the AD governors must not be seen as betraying the legacy of selfless service and sacrifice to society, as championed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Their performance halfway through their respective terms is without question a matter for serious discussion with a view to either building on their accomplishments or charting a new course for sustainable growth and development. I am personally not surprised at the non-performance of the governors of Ogun and Osun states. Even as a young man growing up in Nigeria in the early to mid 1980s, the Segun Osobas and Bisi Akandes were always viewed with condescending suspicion and distaste… much in the same mould as the Alex Akinyeles (undoubtedly the most lacking in integrity and dignity of the pack), Akin Omoboriowos and Sunday "culinary specialist" Afolabis. I will be absolute clear in stating that no well brought up Yoruba person or Nigerian for that matter would aspire to be like the individuals in question. I do not feel it particularly pertinent that I dwell on the afore-mentioned perennial non-entities and their accompanying failures, as there is more than enough good happening in Lagos, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti states to serve as the needed motivation to vote both Osoba and Akande out of office if they still haven’t delivered by 2003.

I must however make particular mention of the performances of Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Alhaji (Dr.) Lam Adesina (who has without doubt become a veritable force in Yoruba politics) and Chief Adebayo Adefarati of Lagos, Oyo and Ondo states respectively. These great sons of Oodua have taking the proverbial "bull by the horn" with a view to seeing to it that the murderous and barbaric legacy of the Babangida and Abacha years have no lasting hold on the lofty aspirations and ideals of the Yoruba race and all right minded Nigerians.

One must commend more importantly the courage and dogged determination of the afore-mentioned "action men" in going against the grain of the manipulative and callous Hausa-Fulani (mis) ruling class, which is hell-bent on forever looking backwards in as much as it cannot see ahead. That however is their problem. The Yoruba are moving forward with cosmic urgency and we invite our other southern brothers and other right minded Nigerians and Africans alike… to come with us on this ordained journey of revival. The Yoruba agenda is not only a Nigerian agenda, but more importantly, it is an African agenda. It is one that calls for the emancipation of the black race from Cairo to Johannesburg, and from Alexandria to Havana. The Yoruba remain unabashed and unyielding in their quest for a true, just and equitable society, one in which all Nigerians will have an abundance of opportunities and privileges available to them. It is the same kind of society that we are proud to have created in Yorubaland, an enviable haven for all and sundry to come, live and dwell in perpetual harmony and prosperity.

It is therefore imperative that one issues a very strong warning to the northern political class or crass (as the case may be) and their southern cronies, about underestimating the resolve and determination of the south (the Yoruba youth and masses in particular) to rid itself of the cancer of socio-political and economic ergotism as presently obtains in the Nigerian theatre of operation. They must understand that this is a new generation, one that knows what it wants and is prepared to do whatever it takes to attain it. This is not 1967 and the decks are not only stacked differently, but more importantly they point to the fact that an armed conflict will not only lead to the permanent dismemberment of the Nigerian entity, but the so-called north may cease to exist as a result of such a potentially bloody and savage conflict. Let no one underestimate the intense hatred and loathing of the northern political establishment (especially in the southwest) in light of the exigencies of the Babangida and Abacha mal-administrations.

As I have said time and again, the Yoruba agenda remains undeterred and unfettered, in as much as it is replete with the requisite recipe of individual and collective empowerment for moving Nigeria, Africa and indeed the black race forward. We will no longer be held ransom to the whim and caprice of the Pseudo-Caucasian (such as the Arabs and other ancillary hybrids) and Caucasian races. Not only do we know who we are and where we’re headed but more importantly we are determined to get there; and for those who choose to stand in our way… well may God help you!

Yes sir, you are absolutely right. The use of quotas should be discouraged in the Nigerian military. After all, the Nigerian military has so far since its inception shown itself to be an embodiment of sterling professionalism and exemplary transparency. Oh no… why should we now pollute the dignified and distinguished set up of the Nigerian military with a bunch of infidels and "hare-brains" from the south. While we are at it sir, how about we abolish the Federal Character system in its entirety and select individuals strictly on merit and qualifications (we intend to check their certificates and conduct comprehensive psychiatric examinations also). At least then, we may be finally able to rid ourselves of maniacal deviants and intellectual epileptics such as the Babangidas, Abachas, Shagaris and yes oh yes Wada Nas’… now that would be the day.

Soboyejo Alaba Akinboyede Awosika-Coker

Seattle, Washington.