Yoruba leaders across socio-political and advocacy groups have established Yoruba Parapo as a central platform for unity, consultation and collective action.
The leaders reached the decision after consultations on challenges confronting the Southwest, including insecurity, economic uncertainty, political marginalisation and constitutional concerns.
Dr Olatunde Amusat, Protem Administrative Secretary of Yoruba Parapo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He said the platform would provide common ground for consultation, consensus-building and collective action among Yoruba organisations and interest groups.
“The decision was unanimously adopted after several meetings attended by leaders and stakeholders drawn from a broad spectrum of Yoruba organisations and interest groups.
“Participants carefully reviewed the challenges confronting the Yoruba nation and highlighted the need for a common platform.
“Such a platform would enable Yoruba interests, aspirations and concerns to be collectively articulated and effectively advanced,” he said.
Amusat said participants noted that other major nationalities and regions had established umbrella organisations for consultation, advocacy, dialogue and collective engagement.
“Consequently, the leaders agreed that the time has come for the Yoruba people to establish a similar mechanism.
“It would aggregate diverse viewpoints and translate shared interests into coordinated action,” he said.
He said Yoruba Parapo would provide an inclusive platform for engagement on security, economic development, cultural preservation and constitutional restructuring.
Other areas, he said, included regional cooperation and the welfare of the Yoruba people.
Amusat said affiliated organisations would retain their identities, leadership structures, philosophies and operational independence.
“The platform is not intended to replace, subsume or diminish existing organisations.
“Rather, it is designed to provide common ground for consultation, collaboration, consensus-building and collective decision-making,” he said.
He said the establishment of Yoruba Parapo was a response to pressing realities confronting the Yoruba people and a call for greater unity.
According to him, the present period represents a defining moment in Yoruba history, requiring strategic engagement and collective action.
He cited insecurity, economic uncertainty, political marginalisation and inadequate constitutional safeguards among challenges requiring a coordinated response.
“It was the considered view of attendees that no single organisation, leader or pressure group can effectively address the numerous challenges confronting the Yoruba people.
“Therefore, a collective platform is both necessary and timely,” he said.
Amusat said member organisations would be represented in Yoruba Parapo’s highest decision-making body to ensure broad representation and inclusiveness.
He called on Yoruba self-determination groups, socio-cultural organisations, traditional institutions and professional associations to join the initiative.
He also invited community development bodies, youth and women organisations, religious leaders, intellectuals and members of the Yoruba diaspora.
Amusat urged stakeholders committed to the progress, security, dignity and future of the Yoruba nation to contribute ideas, expertise, resources and influence.
He said some leaders participating physically and virtually in the meeting in Ibadan included Dr Oriyomi Attey and Dr Paul Bankole.
Others were Chief Banji Ayiloge, Ms Olusola Ajetunmobi-Davies, Mr Wale Adeoye, Mr Sina Akinpelu and Mr Kunle Adesokan.
Also listed were Chief Kolawole Ilori, Dr Olu Omotoso, Dr Bayo Oriire, Baba Omojola and Pastor Paul Bankole.
Others included Mr Dipo Akinsiku, Dr D.A. Aremu and Dr Kunle Amusat.
Amusat said Yoruba Parapo remained committed to dialogue, peaceful engagement, democratic values, mutual respect and a prosperous, secure and dignified future.
