Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has appealed to Yoruba leaders and politicians to seek each other’s forgiveness in the interest of Nigeria.
The popular monarch also beseeched Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, to establish a rapport with all aggrieved Yoruba leaders and politicians for genuine reconciliation and compromise.
While noting that the appeal became necessary to have a united Yoruba house ahead of the 2023 general election, he maintained that forgiving themselves would bring a colourful outing in favour of a Southern presidential candidate.
In a statement made available by Alli Ibraheem, his Chief Press Secretary, Oba Akanbi charged them to write a new history for Yorubaland by promoting political unity and understanding among themselves ahead of the 2023 general election.
“I call on Yoruba leaders, stakeholders and politicians to write a new history of hope, brighter future and positive promises by forgiving each other. Without forgiveness, relationships will not give birth to promising children. I’m making this appeal with my crown to endure, entertain each other’s differences and cut the political curse on the Yorubas.
“The late sage, Obafemi Awolowo tried. Then the late business tycoon, Moshood Kasimawo Abiola made a trial and won democracy for us. The same mistake must not be repeated. This is not about political parties. It is natural to offend each other but divine to forgive.
“The chance of one of us becoming the President of Nigeria is bright and promising. He might have offended you just as you also might have offended someone. Let’s heal the wound of enemity to move on and faster. This is the last chance if we want our children to forgive us.”
While hinting that the move should cut across party lines and political party affiliation, the Oluwo insisted that Tinubu is a candidate that is experienced and virile to govern Nigeria on merit.