Yoruba Elders Voice Concerns Over Economic Hardship And Socio-cultural Rights In Bola Tinubu-led Administration

Yoruba elders, united under the banner of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), have spoken out about their worries concerning the economic hardships and suffering endured by the populace during the tenure of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.

While reiterating their unwavering support for the President, the elders have issued a call to the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government. They urge the government to implement concrete, practical, and visible measures to alleviate the widespread pains and difficulties currently faced by Nigerians.

These significant resolutions were reached during an Emergency National Executive Council meeting held in Ibadan on August 10, 2023. The meeting’s outcomes were shared with journalists by Chief Oladipo Oyewole, the Secretary-General of the YCE.

The official communiqué read: “Following the Emergency Meeting on August 10, 2023, the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) firmly stands behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, the Council acknowledges the intensified suffering in Nigeria at this juncture, where the hardship experienced by the masses has deepened. Fuel prices have surged, transportation and food costs have risen.”

“While the YCE acknowledges the competence and capacity of the current Federal Government administration, the Council deems it crucial for the Nigerian government to adopt more practical, realistic, and transparent strategies to mitigate the present distress and general difficulties faced by Nigerians.”

In addition to their economic concerns, the elders have also expressed their dismay regarding the publications concerning Isese worship in Kwara State, particularly those emanating from the Emir of Ilorin. The elders highlight that the rights of Yoruba people in the state are being violated and suppressed.

The elders lament: “The Council also takes note of the fact that the socio-cultural rights of Yoruba people in Kwara State are being suppressed, marginalized, and unjustly infringed upon. The recent newspaper publications by the Emir of Ilorin and his representatives have deeply troubled the Yoruba Council of Elders.”

The YCE emphasized the importance of upholding every Nigerian’s freedom of religious worship, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Turning their attention to the power struggle in the Niger Republic, the YCE has called for diplomatic measures to prevent any escalations into conflict within the West African region. While acknowledging the positive prospects stemming from the belt-tightening measures in Nigeria, the group underscored the necessity of effective management and vigilant monitoring to ensure that the people’s suffering yields meaningful results.

“We foresee a favorable outcome stemming from the sacrifices made in Nigeria, but we implore for meticulous management and vigilant oversight to ensure that the struggles endured by our people yield substantial gains.”