Governor Akeredolu tells all those dreaming of dreaming of Oodua Nation to perish the thought

GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and the chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum has called on all those agitating for the creation of an independent Oduduwa Nation to abandon the thought and rally behind the concept of one Nigeria.

Of late, there has been a lot of agitation for the balkanisation of Nigeria, with groups representing the component parts of the country calling for independence. Across the southwest of the country, a group known as Oodua Nation has been campaigning for the creation of a sovereign state.

However, dismissing such thoughts, Governor Akeredolu vowed that states in the southwest will not allow any agitation that will scuttle the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes. He added that many lives have been laid down for the unity of the country.

Speaking in Akure, at the launch of Emblem Appeal to flag off the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations, Governor Akeredolu stressed that the country is too important to him and his administration. He added that  no sit-at-home order will be tolerated in any state across the southwest.

Governor Akeredolu said: “Those clamouring for Oodua Nation will not succeed. People have not laid down their lives for this country for unscrupulous individuals to scuttle it. This country is very important to some of us.

“We recognise the right of the people to protest or agitate but if the police feel your actions are treasonable, they will arrest and prosecute you. It is not at this stage in the history of this country that we will repeat the Indigenous People of Biafra in Yorubaland as opportunity beacons at us and we cannot afford to throw away that opportunity.

“We will not sit down and support anyone clamouring for Oodua Nation. We will not support it as we have fought for this with everything we had. Nigeria will be good and the security agencies will checkmate these unscrupulous enemies embarking on such frivolous activities."

He then saluted the selfless and sacrificial services of the fallen heroes who had laid down their lives in wars and peacekeeping missions around the world and those currently serving, day and night, to guarantee the peace and unity of the country. Governor Akeredolu also expressed his belief that special recognition and appreciation must be accorded the gallant military men who had been involved in the war against Boko Haram, other forms of terrorists activities, banditry and insurgencies and who had in the process, paid the supreme sacrifice.

He reassured that his administration will continue to work with governmental, non-governmental organisations, officers and men of the armed forces and the legion to ensure an improved welfare for legionnaires, widows and dependants of departed ones in the state. Also, the governor appreciated the Nigerian Legion for its steadfastness, perseverance and exemplary conduct as it continues to make meaningful contributions to the growth and development of the country, particularly in the area of security.