Yoruba Leaders Back Tinubu For 2027, Demand Recognition For 2023 Support
The Yoruba Leaders Forum (YLF) has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term in the 2027 presidential election, while calling on the President to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of Yoruba stakeholders who supported his emergence in 2023.
The Forum, an umbrella body of Yoruba leaders and stakeholders, made its position known in a statement signed by its National Leader, Barrister George Ogunjimi, and Secretary-General, HRH Sooko Agoriesin Oladotun Hassan, the Aare Yoruba Agbaye and President of the Yoruba Council Worldwide.
The leaders said their decision followed extensive consultations on the political situation in the country and developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Forum, President Tinubu’s emergence in 2023 was historically significant, stressing that many Yoruba leaders, grassroots mobilisers and supporters made substantial sacrifices during the election.
While reaffirming their backing for the President’s second-term ambition, the leaders expressed concern that some stakeholders who contributed to the 2023 campaign had yet to receive what they considered adequate recognition through appointments, developmental projects, consultations and inclusion in government programmes.
The Forum therefore urged Tinubu to address the concerns, arguing that recognition should go beyond symbolic gestures to include meaningful consultation, inclusion, development and opportunities for competent stakeholders to contribute to governance.
The YLF also disclosed plans to seek a direct audience with the President to present a comprehensive memorandum containing the concerns, expectations and proposals of Yoruba stakeholders.
The Forum said such engagement would help establish a stronger consultation framework between the Presidency and Yoruba leadership, particularly on issues affecting the region.
On security, the Yoruba leaders called for a coordinated and inclusive security architecture across the South-West, urging legitimate community-based security initiatives to work together and within the law.
They listed the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Iru Ekun Security Network/Hunters (Ode Agbaye), South-West security groups, vigilantes, Agbekoya, Atunluse and Eso Abo Oodua Agbaye among the groups that should collaborate with elected officials and recognised national security agencies.
The Forum said the collective security effort should focus on protecting farms and agricultural communities, schools, highways and rural roads, markets, government infrastructure, businesses and communities across Yorubaland.
It stressed that unnecessary rivalry and exclusion among security stakeholders should be avoided, maintaining that effective community security requires cooperation, coordination and unity.
The leaders also urged President Tinubu to continue strengthening his administration with competent and experienced Nigerians, while advocating a structured mechanism through which Yoruba leaders could engage the Presidency on security, infrastructure, agriculture, economic development, employment and social welfare.
The Forum further called on traditional rulers, political leaders, community leaders, youths, women and other stakeholders to maintain unity and avoid divisions ahead of the 2027 elections.
It said Yoruba interests could be advanced within the framework of a united Nigeria through peaceful democratic participation and constructive engagement.
The Forum also announced that it would work with the Yoruba Council Worldwide to mobilise Yoruba traditional rulers and stakeholders for the second edition of the Yoruba Obas Conference scheduled for November 7, 2026, at the Main Auditorium, Ojaja Arena Resort, Ile-Ife.
The event, according to the Forum, is expected to provide an opportunity to host President Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour before the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, alongside traditional rulers from across Yorubaland.
The Yoruba Leaders Forum urged eligible Nigerians to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate peacefully and responsibly in the 2027 electoral process.
