Obafemi Awolowo University Under Fire For Withholding ‘Oduduwa Hall’ During Yoruba National Unity Day

Obafemi Awolowo University Under Fire For Withholding ‘Oduduwa Hall’ During Yoruba National Unity Day

The Yoruba National Youths have expressed their discontent with the management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) for its decision to cancel the use of Oduduwa Hall for the upcoming Yoruba National Unity Day. The event, intended to commemorate the historic Kiriji War, was abruptly called off just 24 hours before it was scheduled to take place, leaving the youth shocked…….CONTINUE READING 

In a statement issued by Yoruba National Youth Leader in the Diaspora, Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole, the youth criticized the Vice Chancellor’s actions as “uncalled for” and a reflection of a broader neglect of Yoruba cultural advancement. They voiced disbelief at the university’s refusal to support an event honoring the Kiriji War, a significant chapter in Yoruba history.

The leaders emphasized that Oduduwa Hall, constructed with funds from the former Western Government, should serve as a venue for celebrating Yoruba culture, not as a site of rejection. “This action is uncalled for,” they asserted, also criticizing the Vice Chancellor for failing to provide a valid reason for the cancellation. “It clearly indicates that the university’s leadership is opposed to the progress and unity of Yorubaland.”

The youth accused the authorities of undermining the aspirations of Yoruba youths, suggesting that the Vice Chancellor’s actions align with the interests of those they view as adversaries to the Yoruba people. They pledged to take action to reclaim their cultural heritage and prevent such cancellations in the future.

In their statement, they remarked, “The antics of Professor Adebayo Simon Bamire and his team have been exposed. We inform the Nigerian Government of our determination to seek autonomy, as it is evident that the university’s authorities are attempting to disrupt a landmark celebration in Yorubaland.”

They added, “We have been vindicated that someone is sacrificing the interests of Yoruba men, women, youths, and children for political gain.” The statement concluded with a strong condemnation of Professor Bamire and the university management for denying the use of Oduduwa Hall for the event, asserting that the association of Yorubas with Nigeria is over.

Despite the controversy, the Yoruba National Unity Day celebration proceeded at an alternative venue in Ile Ife, drawing a large crowd from the Southwest, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, and Delta States.

During his address, renowned historian and leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM), Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye, stated, “There is no turning back on Yoruba Nation autonomy.” He emphasized the urgent need for the Yoruba people to have their own country separate from Nigeria, asserting that significant harm has been inflicted on Yorubaland and that the movement for self-determination must commence now.

“We, the Yoruba people, demand our independent and sovereign country as soon as possible. We reject any arrangement that would continue our membership in Nigeria,” he declared. Prof. Akintoye praised the organizers of this year’s Yoruba National Unity Day events in both Ibadan and Ile Ife, highlighting the uniqueness of the Yoruba way of life.