Yoruba Groups Create Joint Forum for Security and Regional Concerns

Leaders from a range of Yoruba organisations have created a new coordinating body intended to provide a shared forum for addressing security, economic, constitutional and social concerns affecting the South-West and Yoruba communities more broadly.

The platform, named Yoruba Parapo, emerged after a series of consultations involving representatives of self-determination movements, socio-political organisations and advocacy groups. Dr Olatunde Amusat, its Protem Administrative Secretary, announced the development in a statement following meetings involving stakeholders from different Yoruba interest groups.

According to Amusat, participants concluded that greater coordination was needed to bring different perspectives together when responding to challenges facing the region. Issues considered during their discussions included insecurity, economic uncertainty, concerns about political representation and questions surrounding Nigeria's constitutional structure.

The new organisation is expected to serve as a meeting point for discussions on regional security, economic development, cultural preservation, constitutional restructuring, cooperation among communities, self-determination and public welfare. Its organisers say participating bodies will continue operating independently rather than being absorbed into a single organisation.

Under the proposed arrangement, affiliated groups will retain their existing leadership, philosophies and organisational structures. Representatives from member organisations are also expected to participate in Yoruba Parapo's highest decision-making body, a structure the organisers say is intended to provide broad representation when common positions are being considered.

The initiative is seeking participation beyond the groups involved in its formation. Traditional institutions, professional bodies, community development organisations, youth and women's groups, religious figures, academics and members of the Yoruba diaspora have been invited to participate alongside socio-cultural and self-determination organisations.

Some of those involved in the consultations, which were conducted both physically and virtually in Ibadan, included Oriyomi Attey, Paul Bankole, Banji Ayiloge, Olusola Ajetunmobi-Davies and Wale Adeoye. Other participants represented additional political, cultural and advocacy interests within the wider Yoruba community.

Organisers have adopted "Unity in Purpose, Strength in Action" as the platform's motto. Amusat said the body intends to pursue its objectives through dialogue, democratic engagement and cooperation rather than replacing existing Yoruba organisations.

The formation of Yoruba Parapo therefore represents an attempt to create a common consultation structure while allowing participating groups to preserve their separate identities. Security is among its major priorities, but its stated mandate also extends to economic, cultural, constitutional and welfare matters.