The Yoruba Mandate Group (YMG) has reacted to the controversy surrounding the renaming of Charley Boy Bus-Stop in Lagos State to Olamide Bado Bus-Stop, saying Igbos are friends of the Yoruba race.
In a statement by YMG Convener, Akogun Banji Ojo, the group stated that naming streets and areas after individuals is a Yoruba tradition and falls under the prerogative of Local Government authorities.
Ojo emphasized that Yoruba people have historically maintained a cordial relationship with the Ndgbos,, highlighting the voluntary return of Igbo properties in the Southwest Nigeria after the Nigerian civil war as evidence of this friendship.
Ojo also clarified that there is no discrimination in tenancy rates between Yoruba indigenes and non-indigenes in any Southwest state.
He affirmed that Lagos is a Yoruba city and urged those who view it as “a no man’s land” to abandon this notion.
The YMG Convener called on Igbo residents in Yorubaland to comply with host community rules and regulations to sustain the positive relationship between the Yoruba and Igbo races.
His words: “We at the Yoruba Mandate Group view the renaming of Charley Boy Bus-Stop to Olamide Bado Bus-Stop as a matter of Yoruba tradition. Naming streets and public spaces after notable individuals is a practice deeply rooted in our culture, and this decision falls squarely within the prerogative of our Local Government authorities. We see this as an affirmation of our heritage and autonomy.
“More importantly, we want to use this opportunity to reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship between the Yoruba and Igbo peoples. Historically, we have maintained a cordial relationship with our Igbo brothers and sisters, evidenced by the voluntary return of Igbo properties in Southwest Nigeria after the civil war. This gesture underscores our commitment to peace and mutual respect among ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“We therefore urge all parties to view this renaming in the spirit of unity and progress. We are not divisive people; rather, we cherish our friendships, including with the Ndigbo. We hope this clarifies our stance and reinforces the message of cooperation and solidarity that the Yoruba Mandate Group stands for.”
