A frontline socio-political group, clamouring for Yoruba autonomy,Oodua Action Movement (OAM), on Monday, decried the statement credited to an Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, describing the groups agitating for Oduduwa Republic and Biafra as the same with Boko Haram sect terrorists.
The group condemned in strong terms the alleged provocative statement from Gumi, which it noted could ignite tribal violence and anarchy in the land.
It emphasised that there is no going back on the demand for autonomy for Yoruba Nation, which would allow the region to manage its resources.
OAM noted that the reckless statement by Gumi had portrayed himself as an individual lacking knowledge of routine affairs in the country.
The renowned Islamic Scholar spoke in an interview with BBC pidgin on Saturday while reflecting on the insecurity situation in the country.
However, a statement by OAM Global Coordinator Otunba Demola Edward emphasised that with the present spate of insecurity and visible maladministration in the affairs of Nigeria, there is no better alternative than Yoruba and other tribal groups to fight for autonomy in order to develop at their own pace.
The group renewed the call for Yoruba Nation autonomy in the interest of Justice because of visible marginalisation, nepotism and racial discrimination on the part of the Federal government.
It urged President Muhammadu Buhari to expedite action on the agitation as year 2021 sets in.
OAM noted that the demand for autonomy of Yoruba Nation would enable the region to manage its resources and develop at its own pace.
The statement said Nigeria had been deepen in crisis since independence and had recently became a failed nation as an enduring solution to the myriads of problems in Nigeria lies in each of the nationalities.
According to him, there is need for self determination of Yoruba Nation that would guarantee speed and monumental development of the Region.
His words: “As year 2021 rolls in, we want President Muhammadu Buhari to begin the process for an autonomous Yoruba nation as a federating unit in Nigeria, as granted the South-West region upon independence in 1960.