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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END YORUBA ONE VOICE CONFERENCE ON “THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY IN STRENGTHENING SECURITY AND PREVENTING GENOCIDE IN YORUBALAND” HELD VIRTUALLY THROUGH THE ZOOM PLATFORM ON SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER, 2025.

PREAMBLE

Yoruba One Voice (YOV) was founded and convened 10th July, 2020. The organization is made of Yoruba opinion and community leaders, intelligentsia, professionals, business entrepreneurs, working class and students of tertiary institutions resident in Nigeria and the Diaspora. Yoruba One Voice (YOV) is founded to promote Yoruba core values, unity and collaborative efforts towards a prosperous and technologically advanced Yoruba motherland.

Yoruba One Voice is formed to realize a Yoruba Nation where all forms of discrimination, threats, dangers, and risks to the lives, livelihood, properties, well-being and safety of all citizens, residents and visitors are eliminated. Yoruba One Voice is also established to ensure that all citizens, residents and visitors on Yoruba soil irrespective of their class, creed and political inclinations are consistently treated fairly, equally, justly and humanely in accordance with international charters on Human Rights. Yoruba One Voice rejects and seeks to eliminate all forms slavery and servitude imposed on Yoruba people via forced amalgamation of noncontiguous and incompatible people with different cultures, orientation and values by the British.

In recent times, there has been a general outcry against growing insecurity particularly organized and targeting Yoruba communities across South West Nigeria. Incidents of attacks by armed bandits and terrorists have become rampant to the extent that no place appear safe or excluded from kidnappings and killings by these marauders.

This grim picture of growing general insecurity pervading and ravaging Yorubaland and South West Nigeria has reached alarming level that demands strategic urgent attention and action. Consequently, it is in recognition of the severity and enormity of the problem and the urgent need to mitigate the violence and general insecurity occasioned by these invasions that prompt the use of the Zoom virtual platform by Yoruba One Voice to bring together its global membership and stakeholders on Sunday 30th November, 2025 to confer on “The Importance of Unity in Strengthening Security and Preventing Genocide in Yorubaland”. The conference reaffirmed the historical resilience of the Yoruba nation and emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address contemporary security challenges, promote justice, and uphold the sanctity of human life across Yoruba territories.



The conference prominently had in attendance the Founder, Global Convener and Grand Patron of Yoruba One Voice, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo Yoruba. The conference also had other participants that include opinion and community leaders, intelligentsia, security experts, professionals, business entrepreneurs, working class, scholars, students, the media, and stakeholders from within and outside the Nigeria.

The conference had two guest speakers. Prof. Kolawole Rahim, a leading voice in the struggle for the liberation of Yorubaland from threats of insecurity and eventual actualization of Yoruba nation, laid the foundation for the guest lecture presented by Prof Adetayo Olurotimi Ogunlewe, a cultural activist, a cultural research consultant and former Senior Lecturer at Lagos State University’s Department of English. Prof Ogunlewe spoke on “The Importance of Unity in Strengthening Security and Preventing Genocide in Yorubaland”. His paper was dissected, interrogated and discussed by enthusiastic virtual participants. Several observations and suggestions emanated from the conference as means of advancing the course of Yoruba One Voice.

OBSERVATIONS

Following the presentation of the paper was deep interrogation and thought provoking discussions from which Participants at the conference observe:

1. Rising Security Threats and increasing wave of insecurity in Yorubaland manifest in form of kidnappings, banditry, land encroachment, terrorism, and communal tensions—issues that threaten

2. Kidnappings, banditry, land encroachment and terrorism constitute grave threat to lives, economic activities, and cultural identity.

3. disunity among Yoruba socio-political groups, communities, and leadership structures has hindered the ability to respond effectively to security threats.

4. Unity is the bedrock upon which peace and securitycan be built in Yorubaland

5. Signs of systematic targeting of Yorubaland which patterns of attacks and displacement that, if unaddressed, could escalate into widespread atrocities or genocide against Yoruba communities.

6. There has been weak coordination among security actors occasioned by poor collaboration between government security agencies, local vigilantes, traditional institutions, and civil society remains inadequate, leading to gaps in intelligence and response time.

7. a decline in the teaching and preservation of traditional Yoruba values which promote unity, courage, communal responsibility, and proactive defense of the homeland.

8. Underutilization of Yoruba diaspora community vast networks, expertise, and resources that can be sufficiently harnessed for the security and development of Yorubaland.

9. The exclusion and Marginalization of
Young people from strategic decision-making processes, community defense, innovation, and civic engagement.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Against the backdrop of these observations, the following suggestions, recommendations and resolutions emanate from the conference. Yoruba One Voice resolves that:

1. Yoruba Unity should be strengthened through intensification of efforts to foster unity across political, religious, and regional lines,

2. Yoruba should know that collective cohesion is the strongest defense against insecurity and persecution.

3. There should be establishment of a Yoruba Security Coordination Framework to create mechanisms for improved cooperation among local vigilantes, state security agencies, traditional rulers, and community networks for more coordinated intelligence-gathering and rapid response.

4. There should be regular security stakeholder meeting and conference to cross-fertilize ideas on ways to decisively tackle the challenge of insecurity in Yorubaland.

5. There should be joint intelligence-sharing system as part of new measures to confront worsening insecurity in the region.

6. There should be without delay the adoption community policing to facilitate the deployment of local and community security networks to address security challenges.

7. Platforms for cooperation between government security agencies and private sector stakeholders through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) should be established to enhance resource mobilization, intelligence sharing, and community vigilance.

8. There should be increased campaign and advocacy locally and internationally to raise awareness against all actions against Yoruba communities that can encourage and lead to Genocide.

9. Support should be given to grassroots initiatives that strengthen traditional security structures within legal and human-rights-compliant frameworks.

10. Modern technology such as CCTV surveillance, drones, and communication networks can aid in monitoring and rapid response to security incidents should be deployed.

11. Yoruba youth should be integrated into decision-making processes on security, peace building, and cultural preservation through training programs in leadership, technology, and community protection.

12. The expertise of Yoruba diaspora should be engaged in developing strategic partnerships that can contribute to security innovation, and support diplomatic outreach on issues affecting Yorubaland.

13. There should be intensification and promotion of Yoruba cultural education, language preservation, and awareness programs that reinforce unity, identity, and the responsibility of every Yoruba person to protect the homeland.

14. There should be constructive engagement of local, national, and international authorities and bodies to advocate for stronger protection mechanisms and policies that safeguard the rights and security of all Yoruba people.
15. President Bola Tinubu was commended for approving the state police as an urgent measure to combat widespread insecurity across the nation. And for directing the National Assembly to fast track constitutional review to birth the state police.

16. The conference commended the Southwest governors, the Southern governors and lately the Northern governors for calling for state police.

17. State Governors were urged to urgently work out modalities to make a functional and effective state police a reality in their various states.

18. Our governors should assist the Yoruba speaking communities in Kogi and Kwara States. They should invite all traditional rulers and community leaders in those areas for a meeting so as to collectively design the best approach to stop the kidnappings and mindless killings of our people.

19. A follow-up committee should be established to monitor the implementation of these resolutions and report progress periodically to Yoruba communities worldwide.

Prince Adedokun Ademiluyi
Secretary General
Yoruba One Voice (YOV) Worldwide

Mr. Olumuyiwa Samuel Okunniyi
Publicity Secretary,
Yoruba One Voice (YOV) Worldwide

𝗢𝗬𝗔 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 – 𝗜𝗥𝗔, 𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗔. Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba land Iba Gani Adams, Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation OFF and Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, celebrates the 2025 Oya Festival alongside HRM Oba AbdulWahab Oyewale Oyetoro, the Onira of Ira Kingdom, with eminent monarchs, honourables, and cultural dignitaries.
Saturday, November 29th, 2025. Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, Chief Promoter of the Olokun Festival Foundation and Aare-Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, commemorates the 2025 Oya Festival alongside HRM Oba AbdulWahab Oyewale Oyetoro, the Onira of Ira Kingdom, with distinguished monarchs, honourables, and cultural dignitaries on Saturday, November 29th, 2025.

𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮,𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮_ 𝗜𝗯𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀.

Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has described the death of foremost Niger Delta leader and prominent voice in the region,Chief Edwin Clark as another irreparable loss, saying the late Clark was an advocate of restructuring and justice for the people of the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as a whole.

Iba Adams' tributes came just five days after the death of Afenifere leader,the late Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who,he described as a repository of knowledge.

Adams,in a statement he signed personally,said the late Clark was a powerful voice for the Niger Delta, advocating for better resource control; environmental protection; and economic development for the region.

The Yoruba generalissimo stated also that the late Clark was a key figure in the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Ijaw National Congress, consistently fighting for policies that favoured the region’s growth.

"We have lost yet another strong voice in the country.The late Edwin Clark was a big influence in Nigeria.

He led the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly,fought with his last breath to ensure that Nigeria is restructured.

He also led the Pre-National Conference in Asaba, Uyo, Calabar, Lagos and he also ensured that the Southern delegates had a common voice.

"The late Clark doused the tension that came from the radical youth at the conference and he played the fatherly role as it was expected.

The late Clark and Raymond rallied round the Middle Belt to ensure that the position of the Southern delegates at the National Conference reflected the position of the majority of that of Nigeria.

"He was a major influence and a reliable leader that would never compromised.He never missed any of the seating during the National Conference.He was eloquent and very influential, especially with the way he branded the PANDEF.

"His influence in Nigeria’s politics spanned decades and he remained a respected elder statesman until his death yesterday.

"The late Clark left behind a legacy of advocacy, education and an Unrelenting pursuit of justice and equity for both the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole".

While, praying for the repose of the soul of the elder statesman,Iba Gani Adams,urged the people of the Niger Delta region to recommit themselves to the ideals of the late Pa Edwin Clark as that would be the best legacy for the memory of the late ijaw leader.

𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗢𝗳 𝗔𝗮𝗿𝗲-𝗢𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗳𝗼 𝗢𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗯𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗯𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀

On January 18, 2025, during the celebration of his 7th installation anniversary as the 15th Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams awarded scholarships to four outstanding students from various universities in the Southwest region.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲:

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗯𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘆𝗮𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗲, 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗮𝘄, 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 (𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗨), 𝗢𝗷𝗼𝘄.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗺𝘂 𝗔𝗱𝗲𝘄𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗶 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁, 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲, 𝗢𝗯𝗮𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗶 𝗔𝘄𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗜𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗳𝗲.

𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮 𝗢𝗻𝘆𝗶𝗻𝘆𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗶 𝗢𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗿, 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗧𝗮𝗶 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆.

𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗼 𝗔𝘆𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗸𝗶, 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗻.

Iba Gani Adams emphasized that the scholarship awards aim to encourage and support brilliant indigent students, serving as a symbol to honor their academic achievements in Yoruba Land.

Lógún ọfẹ ooooooooo

Yoruba culture is rich and diverse, with a strong emphasis on tradition, family, and community. Here are some interesting aspects of Yoruba culture:

In Yoruba culture, men and women have distinct roles and responsibilities. Men are typically the breadwinners and heads of the household, while women manage the home and care for children.

Yoruba culture places great emphasis on respect for elders, who are seen as custodians of tradition and wisdom. Children are taught from a young age to show deference to their elders.

Family and community are highly valued in Yoruba culture. Extended family members often live together or near each other, and community members come together to celebrate festivals and special occasions.

Yoruba traditional clothing is known for its vibrant colors and intricate designs. Men wear agbada, a flowing robe, while women wear iro, a wrapper, and buba, a blouse.

Music and dance are integral parts of Yoruba culture. Traditional instruments like the talking drum and shekere are used to accompany dances like the bata and egungun.

Yoruba cuisine is flavorful and varied, with popular dishes like jollof rice, egusi soup, and suya (grilled meat skewers).

Yoruba culture is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, like the Osun Osogbo festival, which honors the goddess of fertility, and the Eyo festival, which celebrates the history and culture of Lagos.

Yoruba traditional medicine is based on the use of herbs and natural remedies to treat illnesses. Traditional healers, known as babalawos, use their knowledge of herbs and spirituality to diagnose and treat patients.

Ifa divination is a traditional Yoruba practice that involves the use of palm nuts or cowry shells to communicate with the gods and gain insight into the future. Babalawos, or Ifa priests, interpret the messages from the gods to guide individuals and communities.

Yoruba philosophy emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with nature and the community. It also stresses the value of hard work, respect for elders, and the pursuit of wisdom.

𝗢𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 (OPC) 𝗟𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘆 𝗜𝗯𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗚𝗼𝗱.

: Oodua House, 14B, Ezekiel Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja Lagos.

Tuesday, January 21st, 2024.