[size=18pt]Group moves to restore credible leadership to S’West
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By Olalekan Adetayo, Ibadan

Thursday, 23 Sep 2010
 


Irked by alleged poor quality of leadership in the many of the states in the South-West, some concerned stakeholders are considering setting up a minimum standard which aspirants must meet to enjoy the support of the people of the region.

To achieve this, a one-day summit on Yoruba development agenda has already been scheduled to hold in Ibadan, Oyo state capital on Thursday.

Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, one of the organisers of the summit, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, said that it had been resolved that once the minimum standard is released through a communiqué at the end of the meeting, political parties would abide by such standard.

Afolabi added that leaders of any political party that decide to ignore the standard and field a person of “lower quality” for election would have themselves to blame as the Yorubas would be mobilised against the candidate.

He disclosed that the summit being put together by the Afenifere Renewal Group in collaboration with key Yoruba self-determination groups is expected to be attended by all Yoruba leaders irrespective of their political leanings.

He said that a Professor of African Studies, University of California, United States, Dr. Wale Adebanwi, would give the keynote address at the summit with the theme “Yoruba values: A reawakening-agenda for 2011 and beyond.”

He said, “The purpose of the gathering is to restore to the South West the kind of quality leadership that the region was known for.

“We have been wondering why it is difficult for present day political office holders to match the achievements of our past leaders in the region.

“It is our hope that at the end of the summit, we shall release the minimum standard required of any aspirant in the South West.

“Political parties can only neglect the standard at their own electoral peril.”


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