YORUBA LEADERS MEET: From right, Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Segun Oni (Ekiti) and Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Taofik Arapaja, at the Yoruba leaders' meeting at Chief Obafemi Awolowo's residence in Ikenne, Ogun State, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

By Kolade Larewaju
ABEOKUTA – YORUBA leaders have resolved to form a non-partisan organisation “Yoruba Legacy Forum” to cater for the interest of the Yoruba nation.

This was the decision reached at a meeting in Ikenne, Ogun State yesterday, which was chaired by the matriarch of the Awolowo family, Chief Mrs. HID Awolowo.

A statement after the meeting by one of the coordinators, Prince Segun Adesegun said the decision to establish the organisation was based on the need for Yoruba unity under one umbrella.

Adesegun said the Legacy Forum’s membership would be open to all on individual basis, regardless of party affiliations and would hold its meetings in Ikenne.

The statement, however, said all efforts would continue to be made towards the peace process in Afenifere and among prominent Yoruba Obas.

According to the statement, “All Yoruba politicians, irrespective of party affiliations must come together for the interest of the Yoruba cause”.

Adesegun said the meeting also prayed for President Umar Yar’Adua  and called on appropriate machinery of government to ensure that there was no vacuum in governance.

Present at the meeting were Governors Olugbenga Daniel ofOgun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun, Segun Oni of Ekiti while Ali Olanusi and Taofeek Arapaja, Deputy Governors of Ondo and Oyo represented their bosses.

Also at the meeting were Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Bishop Fape, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Lam Adesina, Mrs. Kofo Akerele Bucknor, Chief Femi Okurounmu, Chief Tony Adefuye and Chief Ebenezer Babatope.