Aviation Probe Is To Pull Down Yoruba - Group

By Wale Ojo-Lanre - 05.07.2008

The on-going probe of the Aviation industry has been described as a continuation of a grand scheme by a hegemonic cabal to stop the Yorubas from gaining political influence and prominence in the Nigerian polity.

A socio-cultural Yoruba group, Yoruba Alert made this known in a release signed by its co-ordinator, Mr. Wale Ibipeju Oniru, and made available to the Saturday Tribune.

The group revealed that the plan to relegate the Yorubas to the background in the mainstream politics was hatched, tendered and nurtured during the tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who tacitly and covertly gave his backing, though unaware, through his non-tribal posture.

The group pointed out that the hegemonic cabal was stunned by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s daring moves in his early days in government firstly by authorising the relocation of the headquarters of some parastatals like the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, and others back to Lagos and most embarrassing to the cabal, by inviting Late Chief Ajibola Ige to serve in the Ministry of Power and Steel.

Chief Obasanjo also went a step further by making Yoruba man, Chief S.M Afolabi, the Minister for Internal Affairs, the first Yoruba occupant in the history of the position.

The hegemonic cabal which had planted itself firmly in the presidency and commanded awesome influence and membership had come out with an operation code named: “CLIPWING,” which was to mobilise and exert all influence humanly possible at ensuring the relegation of the Yorubas in national political relevance, the group said.