O’odua coalition backs Bariga, Ajeromi for street name honours
O’odua coalition backs Bariga, Ajeromi for street name honours
The renaming of certain streets and monuments after Yoruba icons represent a significant shift in attitude towards indigenous ownera of Lagos territories, the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has said
The coalition made up of 130 Pan Yoruba and Itsekiri groups commended the Chairmen of Bariga and Ajeromi Local Governments for commendable initiatives of naming streets and bus stops after individuals who have projected the name and values of the community positively.
“We are glad that the renaming of Pedro Bus Stop which was hijacked by Charly Boy will send strong messages to residents of Bariga and inspire them to their moral duties to the community” the AYDM said in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Popoola Ajayi
Some members of the coalition are Agbekoya Solidarity, Oodua Peoples Congress, ( New Era), Oodua Nationalist Coalition, (ONAC), South West Women Congress, (SWWC), Network for Yoruba Alliance, (NEYA), Yoruba Artisan and Traders Association, (YATA), Oodua Peoples Congress, (POC-Reformed), South West Vigilante among many others.
The coalition said Charly Bust Stop had given a very wrong impression that an old man who dresses naked on the internet and equally associated with anti-social behaviour should be a role model for the younger generation.
It described the renaming as a “moral revolution” adding that those who wants the name retained have no shame and are blinded by their rabid support for anything that destroys Yoruba value in their desperation to harvest political gains from the debate.
A society that glorifies individuals who promote nudity, disrespect for Yoruba values and ceaseless assaults on the Ooni of Ife stool cannot add value to the moral heritage of Yoruba people, AYDM said
The coalition said the arrival of Charly Boy in Bariga had spurred the mushrooming of drug addicts and a string of anti-social behaviour adding that having a Bus Stop in his name was a legal authorisation of such anti-culture behaviors.
Ajayi said the noble of the Local Councils act serves not only as he recognition of legacy of hard work and dignity but also as a moral booster to the youths of this generation, reinforcing the enduring relevance of Yoruba cultural values and community pride.
“We are particularly pleased that those so honoured are individuals whose lives reflect the ideals of discipline, service, and cultural pride — standing in sharp contrast to the likes of Charly Boy, whose conduct and public persona have been largely at variance with Yoruba cultural values of respect, decency, and communal responsibility”.
“This commendation comes on the heels of certain uninformed, shallow, and self-glorifying criticisms made by some of our comrades, who seem to lack a proper appreciation of the cultural and developmental significance of the council chairman’s actions. We urge such individuals to reflect deeply before rushing to the public space with divisive commentary”.
“We equally extend our commendation to the Chairman of Ajeromi Local Government, who has taken similar laudable steps in preserving the legacy of cultural icons through the naming of public spaces. These actions reflect a conscious effort to promote positive role models and preserve our historical memory”.
“We call on other Local Government Chairmen across Lagos State and Yorubaland at large to emulate this example by recognising those who have served their communities with distinction, inspired the youth, and advanced the cause of Yoruba culture and identity”.
Signed:
Comrade Popoola Ajayi
Secretary,
Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM)
