Yoruba leaders from various self-determination movements, socio-political groups and advocacy organisations have established Yoruba Parapo, a central platform designed to promote unity, consultation and collective action among the Yoruba people.
The decision followed a series of consultations on challenges confronting the Yoruba nation, including insecurity, economic uncertainty, political marginalisation and constitutional concerns.
The development was announced in a statement signed by the Protem Administrative Secretary of Yoruba Parapo, Dr Olatunde Amusat, and made available to Saturday PUNCH.
Amusat said the platform was unanimously adopted after several meetings involving leaders and stakeholders from different Yoruba organisations and interest groups.
According to him, participants examined the challenges facing the region and agreed on the need for a common platform to articulate and advance the interests and aspirations of the Yoruba people.
He explained that other major ethnic groups and regions in Nigeria had established umbrella organisations to facilitate consultation, advocacy, dialogue and collective engagement on issues affecting their communities.
Amusat said the Yoruba leaders consequently agreed that the time had come to establish a similar structure capable of bringing together diverse opinions and translating shared interests into coordinated action.
He noted that Yoruba Parapo would provide an inclusive platform for discussions on security, economic development, cultural preservation, constitutional restructuring, regional cooperation, self-determination and public welfare.
The administrative secretary stressed that the initiative would not undermine the independence of existing organisations, which would retain their identities, leadership structures, philosophies and operational arrangements.
According to him, Yoruba Parapo is intended to serve as a common ground for consultation, collaboration, consensus-building and collective decision-making rather than replace or absorb existing groups.
He added that the initiative was established in response to pressing challenges requiring strategic engagement and coordinated efforts among Yoruba stakeholders.
Amusat further disclosed that member organisations would be represented in the platform’s highest decision-making body to ensure broad participation and inclusiveness.
He called on self-determination movements, socio-cultural organisations, traditional institutions, professional associations, community development groups, youth and women organisations, religious leaders, intellectuals and Yoruba people in the diaspora to join the initiative.
Prominent participants at the meeting, which was held physically and virtually in Ibadan, included Dr Oriyomi Attey, Dr Paul Bankole, Chief Banji Ayiloge, Ms Olusola Ajetunmobi-Davies and Mr Wale Adeoye.
Other participants were Sina Akinpelu, Comrade Kunle Adesokan, Chief Kolawole Ilori, Dr Olu Omotoso, Dr Bayo Oriire, Baba Tax Omojola, Pastor Paul Bankole, Dipo Akinsiku, Dr D.A. Aremu and Dr Kunle Amusat.
The organisation adopted “Unity in Purpose, Strength in Action” as its motto.
Amusat reaffirmed Yoruba Parapo’s commitment to dialogue, peaceful engagement, democratic values and mutual respect, while pursuing a more secure and prosperous future for the Yoruba nation.
