Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has vehemently opposed the creation of an independent Yoruba nation called Oodua Republic.
The Ex-President said he is a nationalist and does not support the idea of breaking up Nigeria as he will choose the country over the Oodua Republic despite being a Yoruba man.
Obasanjo’s statement comes at the heels of moves by the freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho, who formally made a petition to the government of the United Kingdom, (UK), under the leadership of Prime Minister, Keir Stermer, for the creation and recognition of the Yoruba Republic.
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Obasanjo , while speaking with a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats led by Ibrahim Shekarau, former governor of Kano State visited him at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo said he is not in support the proposed Yoruba nation.
Obasanjo condemned regionalism practised at Nigeria’s independence, saying it’s the root cause of the nation’s perennial division and intertribal hostility.
He noted that the principle of regionalism which is still very much in Nigerians consciousness has led to intemperate affinity and allegiance of Nigerians to their tribes and regions rather than the country at large.
He said: “It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of northern democrats but how I wish you called your group the National League of Democrats because where you come from should not be a problem.”
“Where I was born should not be the enemy of my being a Nigerian. It will be greater to be a Nigerian than to be a member of the Republic of Oodua.”
“I am undoubtedly proud to be a Yoruba but my being a Nigerian should not be the enemy of my being a Yoruba,Obasanjo asserted.
