By Adeola Badru

The Agbekoya Parapo, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has issued a strong warning against any attempts to destroy or attack Yorubaland during thenationwide protests planned for August 1.

In a statement made available to Vanguard on Wednesday, the group expressed support for the youths’ efforts to demand good governance and better living conditions, but cautioned against repeating the destruction witnessed during the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

The statement, signed by the Secretary- General, Prince Kunle Adelakun Eruobodo, acknowledged the courage and audacity of Nigerian youths in addressing the country’s challenges.

The group, however, raised several fundamental questions about Nigeria’s history, including the reasons behind the military coups, the unitary system of government, and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections.

The Agbekoya Parapo stated that the current 1999 Constitution is “a fraudulent and corrupt document, full of lacunae,” which has contributed to the country’s woes.

The group warned that the solution to Nigeria’s problems is “bitter and hard to say,” but something must be done.

Addressing the planned protests, the group sternly warned those “hell-bent on destroying Yorubaland, including the promoters, organizers, and opposition to President Tinubu’s administration” to reconsider their plans and move the protests to Abuja and their respective states of origin, rather than in Lagos and other Yoruba states.

The group cited the devastating impact of the #EndSARS protests on Lagos, where prominent heritage sites and property worth billions of naira were destroyed.

The statement read: “First and foremost, we salute the courage and audacity of Nigerian youths for being conscious and waking up to face the inevitable reality in matters that concern the country and their future.”

“It is very sad and pathetic that the current generation of youths has waited so long to address the inefficiency, injustice, oppression, and lack of equity from the ruling class and constituted authorities.”

“We are very much aware that Nigeria belongs to every one of us and that the dividends of democracy should and must be felt by every Nigerian. We also recognize that democracy grants us freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the right to demand good governance and a better life.”

Things have deteriorated in Nigeria, and there’s no magic wand under the less-than-two-year government of President Tinubu.”

“We are all gradually approaching the end of these games. Nonetheless, the solution is bitter and hard to say, but something will surely lead to something. We can’t build something on nothing.”

“At this juncture, we are using this medium to WARN those who are hell-bent on destroying Yoruba land, including the promoters, organizers, and opposition to President Tinubu’s administration, to reconsider their plans and move their protests to Abuja and their respective states of origin, not in Lagos and Yorubaland.”

“A note of warning: Every Yoruba man must not allow himself to be used for destructive purposes in any part of Yoruba land. Nigeria is a country, and we are in Yoruba territory.”

“We don’t go to another man’s state to fight or destroy. So, non-Yoruba people must respect us as a people. We value our culture and traditions and will do whatever it takes to protect them.”

They expressed concern that the Southwest region is yet to fully recover from the aftermath of those protests, warning that they will not allow a repeat of such destruction in Yorubaland.

The Agbekoya Parapo urged the Southwest governors to be “more sensitive and not encourage any protest that could backfire or undermine the ethos of ‘Omoluabi’ in our region.”

They also called on all Yoruba people to refrain from being used for “destructive purposes” in any part of Yorubaland.

“Our experience during the last #EndSARS protest is enough for our decision. The Southwest is yet to fully recover. The properties destroyed during that single attack were estimated to be worth billions of naira, with no compensation from the federal authorities.”

“In addition, most of our farmlands have been destroyed by herders, resulting in billions of naira worth of agricultural products being lost. Many of our farmers have been killed, and many could no longer go to their farms for fear of being killed.”

“We shall never allow what happened in Lagos during #EndSARS to repeat itself. Neither will Agbekoya Parapo stand by and watch the Southwest being attacked or destroyed by other ethnic groups in the name of one Nigeria.”

“We also urge the Southwest governors to be more sensitive and not encourage any protest that could backfire or undermine the ethos of ‘Omoluabi’ in our region.”

The statement concluded by encouraging those seeking more knowledge to delve into Nigeria’s historical archives, highlighting the group’s position on the upcoming nationwide protests and their determination to protect Yorubaland.