In a statement, yesterday, by the Secretary, Planning Committee for Pan-Yoruba Summit Conveners, Mr. Adekunle Olayinka, the summit themed, “Yoruba Nation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2021, will be virtual to facilitate the participation of wide spectrum of stakeholders in the affairs of Yoruba nation.

According to the statement, the summit, to be declared open by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, will be co-chaired by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade, and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, with Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly as one of the key resource persons.

“The Summit to be held in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols, will deliberate on prevailing and future socio-political challenges as well as prospects of Yoruba nation with emphasis on issues that bother on the welfare, security and mutual coexistence of Yoruba people within a peaceful, stable and united Nigeria. 

“The summit will receive royal blessings from custodians of Yoruba traditional institutions: Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan; Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.

Prominent Yoruba political chieftains and opinion leaders expected at the summit include Afenifere patriarch, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Chief Afe Babalola and Aare Gani Adams, among others.

The statement added that a communiqué on the way forward that approximates the concerns and expectations of Yoruba nation will emanate from deliberations at the summit.