Yoruba Union, Igbinmọ Majekobaje Ilẹ-Yoruba, has called for President Bola Tinubu to resign due to the recent rise in fuel prices and growing hunger affecting the southwest region and Nigeria as a whole.
The union expressed deep concern that the President’s economic policies have pushed people into poverty, leaving many begging for help.
It condemned the implementation of IMF policies with imperialist forces, which they claim have hurt both small and large businesses, negatively impacting the Yoruba people.
In a statement released on Sunday, Convener Olusola Oluwaseyi Badero criticized the government for allowing fuel prices to increase from ₦600 to ₦900, at a time when many Nigerians cannot afford two basic meals a day.
Badero explained that the Yoruba, known for their culture of Omoluabi (honor and integrity), have been reduced to begging because of President Tinubu’s policies.
“We are not only calling for Tinubu’s resignation, but we also demand an apology to the Yoruba people for tarnishing their reputation. Our people have been kidnapped and killed by invaders, while they are now unable to farm or secure their livelihoods,” Badero stated.
He said: “Despite the suffering of his people, Tinubu has shown no remorse. Instead, he continues to increase their hardships through higher taxes and draconian policies.”
Badero recalled that during his campaign in Ogun State, Tinubu promised to lower fuel prices. However, shortly after taking office, he increased the price without consulting the people.
He said: “Tinubu has run out of ideas and should resign honorably. Nigeria is not a family business where he can raise prices at will. Our people are struggling to send their children to school, and with a bag of rice now costing ₦80,000, many families cannot even afford basic meals. Most southwestern states have not even implemented the new minimum wage.”
The organization declared it will not sit by while the Yoruba people suffer, even if a fellow Yoruba man is in the presidency.
It said: “We are known as Omoluabi—a people of honour. We will not tolerate anyone who dishonours the Yoruba nation by subjecting our people to modern-day slavery.
“Tinubu asks for patience, yet he has purchased a new presidential jet for ₦150 billion, luxury yacht, bulletproof Escalades, and a mansion for the Vice President—all in one year. Meanwhile, he raised the fuel price and enacted policies that further impoverish the people.”
The union also urged all Yoruba people across Nigeria to join the October protests to express their dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s administration.
“We must not allow Tinubu’s government to intimidate us. Protesting is our constitutional right and cannot be taken away,” it said.
Badero added that the Tinubu administration has failed the people, and the Yoruba Union is ready to protect the interests of the Yoruba, who have been oppressed by the current government.
Following the recent #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests from August 1 to 10, 2024, organizers are preparing for another round of demonstrations in October, called the ‘Fearless in October’ protests.
This upcoming wave of protests aims to build on the momentum from the previous movement, further amplifying the voices of Nigerians demanding meaningful change.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, a key force behind the protests, has confirmed plans for the October demonstrations.
According to Adenola, the upcoming protests will build on the successes and lessons from the August protests, seeking to increase pressure on the government to address the country’s pressing issues and promote responsible governance.
