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The 10th Anniversary Celebration and Swearing-in Ceremony of the newly elected executives of the Council of Yoruba Obas in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was held in grand style February 15, 2025, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja. The event was graced by dignitaries from across the country, including Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, the Member representing Yagba West, Yagba East, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
In his keynote address, Abejide congratulated the Council of Yoruba Obas on reaching a decade of impactful service, applauding their remarkable efforts in unifying the Oduduwa sons and daughters residing in the northern part of the country. He commended their unwavering commitment to preserving the cultural heritage and collective interests of the Yoruba nation, particularly in a region where they form a significant demographic.
“The Yoruba traditional rulers in the North have done an excellent job in fostering unity among our people. Over the past decade, their leadership has ensured that the Yoruba cultural identity remains strong while also promoting peaceful coexistence within the northern communities,” Hon. Abejide stated.
The lawmaker emphasized the importance of the Obas’ role in advocating for the welfare of Yoruba people in the region, noting that their influence extends beyond cultural preservation to socio-political and economic empowerment. He pledged his continued support to the council, promising to remain a strong ambassador for their cause at the national level.
“Your role in safeguarding the interests of our people cannot be overemphasized. You are the custodians of our heritage, and your leadership is essential in guiding the younger generations. I stand with you and will continue to work with you to ensure that Yoruba people in the North have a strong voice in national affairs,” he affirmed.
Switching to the political landscape, Abejide highlighted the numerical strength of the Yoruba population in the North, stressing that the bloc vote of the ethnic group could play a pivotal role in determining the future of Nigeria’s leadership. He particularly spoke about the potential re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that Yoruba votes in the North alone could secure a second term for the President.
“There are over 25 million Yoruba people residing in the northern region. This is a powerful number that, if properly mobilized, can significantly impact the nation’s political direction. I urge you, our traditional rulers, to sensitize our people on the importance of political participation. While we recognize the non-partisan nature of traditional institutions, we must also remember that the President is for Nigeria, not just for a political party,” he remarked.
His statement drew applause from attendees, as he called on the Yoruba leadership in the North to chart new territories and explore innovative ways of fostering peace and stability within the region. He further encouraged them to continue their bridge-building efforts between the Yoruba community and other ethnic groups in the North.
As the event progressed, the newly elected executives of the Council of Yoruba Obas in the 19 Northern States and the FCT were officially sworn in, with a charge to deepen their efforts in uniting the Yoruba people while fostering cultural and economic development. The occasion also saw the investiture of a Life Patron, recognizing the contributions of key stakeholders in the advancement of the council’s mission.
The atmosphere was filled with celebration, cultural displays, and renewed commitments from the Yoruba leaders present. The event marked yet another milestone in the journey of the Council of Yoruba Obas in the North, signaling a future of greater cohesion and political influence for the Yoruba people in the region.
With the echoes of Hon. Abejide’s speech resonating among attendees, it was evident that the Yoruba traditional rulers remain a formidable force in shaping the destiny of their people, not only in the North but across the entire nation.
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