In a statement yesterday, the coalition said since Owoade’s emergence, it had embarked on diligent investigations and findings on his background and pedigree, saying it was impressed by his past and present.
The AYDM is the biggest coalition of Pan Yoruba groups spread across Nigeria and the West African coast. In the statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi, Secretary for Mobilisation, Chief Kunle Oshodi, and Chief Rafiu Oriyomi, representing Yoruba community in Cote D’ Ivoire, the group said.
It went on: “We call on those who have gone to court to withdraw their cases.”
We urge the opposition to his emergence to join hands to rebuild the floundering fortunes of Yoruba for the greatness of Africa.” The coalition, however, warned that those who wish to continue to oppose the new Alaafin would face the wrath of Yoruba Nation.
The group noted that for the first time in a very long time, Ifa divinity was consulted to pick the Alaafin, according to the timeless tradition of Yoruba people.
The coalition includes the O’odua Nationalist Coalition (ONAC); Agbekoya Solidarity; South West Professionals (SOWPROF); Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA); ANACOWA (representing Okada riders in the South West); Network for Yoruba Alliance (NENA); Oodua Students Congress (OST); South West Women Coalition (SWEC); the Covenant Group, and Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC New Era).
Others are: Oodua Peoples Congress, (Reform); Green Peoples Environmental Network (GREPNET) -a member of the International Alliance on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the Tropical Forest based on Thailand; Network of Community Based Organsations in the South West (NECOSW); Itsekiri Emancipation Movement (IEM); South West Vigilante Groups (SWVIG), among others. (Guardian)
