IBADAN – An Islamic cleric, Professor Sabit Ariyo Olagoke has disclosed that the Yoruba elders are not really ready for the self determination yet.
Prof. Olagoke addressing journalists during a monthly guest forum organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council, asked Yoruba nation agitators to forget the idea for now until the people of the region learn to remain united, and speak with one voice.
The Islamic cleric, who is a former Dean, School of Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State described the myriads of problems facing Nigeria as unfortunate.
Prof. Olagoke linked the rise in ethnic agitation to the absence of Justice and equity in the country.
He maintained that the body language of Yoruba leaders is a clear indication that they are not prepared for self determination.
Olagoke, a renowned Professor of Mechanical Engineer and Public Administrator called on all those behind the agitation for Yoruba nation to go and study the agenda of Brexit, and study how Britain was able to come out of the union successfully after many years.
According to him, there must be justice and equity, to get sustainable development , which is the ultimate goal of true democracy.
He said “Yoruba are highly divided. Look at the people agitating , look at their antecedents. Some Yoruba leaders were some of those behind the advisors of government against their own people. Even your governor here disowned Igboho who is agitating for Yoruba nation. Look at Chief M.K.O. Abiola before he was executed through the conspiracy theory, Babangida ensured that Yoruba people were used against him. They rose against him (Abiola). So, the Yoruba people are not prepared for self determination.”
Professor Olagoke also lamented the rate of insecurity in the land, stressing that most of the uneducated youths have become armed bandits, kidnappers and killer herdsmen because of institutionalized hunger and poverty.
While accusing the political class of complacency, and lack of vision, Olagoke, who made reference to the legacies of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, declared that Nigeria is not yet democratised.
He bemoaned efforts of the political class to destroy education over the years, and wondered why Nigeria government has failed to fund the education sector.
”Education in Nigeria is not functional. You can’t give what you don’t have; UNESCO says you must allocate 22 percent to fund education. But the profile data we have in the last 15 years is 5percent, 7percent, 10 percent maximum. However, in Ghana, the data showed that about 32 percent were allocated to education and that has been so for the past 15 years.
“That is why many Nigerians are now flying their children to Ghana for quality education”, while this has resulted in a lot of rots in Nigeria education,” Olagoke stressed.
In Prof. Olagoke entourage are some members of the Shafaudeen in Islam, led by its General Coordinator, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulaadi Olayiwola, and Engr. Bilikis Olagoke, Director of Admin. (Daily Independent)
