“Aso Rock is not Your Family House” – Yoruba Union Criticizes Tinubu for Escalating Hardship and Insecurity

 

The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, also known as the Yoruba Union, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu's administration, accusing it of neglecting the well-being of the Nigerian people and failing to live up to its campaign promises. According to the group, the situation in the country, especially in the South West region, has worsened under Tinubu’s leadership, with escalating poverty, hunger, and insecurity becoming daily challenges.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Union's Convener, Olusola Badero, and released by the group's Home Director, Princess Balogun, the Yoruba Union accused the Tinubu-led government of abandoning its core responsibilities to Nigerians. The statement reads: "Aso Rock is not his family house." This sharp criticism points to what the group sees as a disregard for the country’s citizens in favor of personal and political interests.

The Union’s statement painted a grim picture of the current socio-economic state in Nigeria, particularly within the South West region, where it claimed that the region is suffocating under immense hardship. Families are barely able to afford food, with many households sinking further into poverty. Educational institutions are struggling, and parents are being forced to withdraw their children from school as they face increasingly insurmountable financial difficulties.

"The South West, like the rest of Nigeria, is crying out in pain," the statement continued. "The government's economic policies have exacerbated the hardship, leaving small businesses on the brink of collapse. The persistent devaluation of the naira has led to further economic strain on the people." The Yoruba Union believes that the government’s failure to address these issues effectively is contributing to the growing sense of hopelessness among citizens.

Education has also been hit hard. With many families unable to afford school fees or provide for basic needs, the educational system is facing a crisis. The group expressed particular concern about the rising number of out-of-school children, calling it a "national emergency." The situation is so dire that schools in the region are beginning to see a significant drop in attendance, and many educational institutions have been left nearly empty.

One of the key issues highlighted by the Yoruba Union is the alarming rise in insecurity in the region. The group recounted the recent abduction of seven farmers in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, by suspected Fulani gunmen. These kidnappers ambushed the victims while they were harvesting palm fruits and forcibly took them into the forest.

While the Union condemned this act of violence, it also noted that the Nigerian government has failed to act decisively. The group demanded immediate intervention, stressing that the government has a responsibility to safeguard the lives of its citizens.

The Yoruba Union also criticized President Tinubu for his failure to curb the ongoing wave of kidnappings across the country, especially in the South West. They pointed to how kidnappers recently demanded an initial ransom of N100 million, which was later reduced to N20 million, and how the victims were only released after a N5 million ransom was paid. The group's condemnation was sharp: "People voted for leadership, not monarchy."

According to the Yoruba Union, Tinubu’s government has been slow to address the rising tide of insecurity that plagues the nation. Kidnapping has turned into a lucrative business for armed groups, particularly the Fulani herdsmen, who have now taken control of parts of the South West, making it a breeding ground for criminal activity. The group further lamented that the government’s response has been inadequate, with innocent lives being lost daily.

The security situation in the South West is further complicated by the infiltration of armed groups into other states like Kwara. The Yoruba Union highlighted the growing concern about the activities of these groups in local government areas such as Ifelodun, Irepodun, Isin, and Ekiti. In these regions, farmers, travelers, and even schoolchildren are increasingly at risk of abduction, robbery, and violence.

As part of its statement, the Union condemned the government’s approach to handling dissent and criticism. They raised alarms about the arbitrary arrest of journalists and critics of the administration, accusing the government of trying to silence voices that challenge its policies. The group expressed deep concern that the Tinubu-led administration has shown little to no empathy for the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians.

With an eye on the future, the Yoruba Union made a bold statement regarding the upcoming 2027 elections. "President Tinubu should forget about 2027," the statement read. "His leadership has proven incapable of addressing the core issues facing Nigeria. His economic policies have hurt businesses, and the people of the South West have yet to see any positive impact." The group further emphasized that Nigerians are tired of the government’s empty promises and leadership that they believe is disconnected from the reality of their daily lives.

The Yoruba Union also made a forceful call to action, demanding that the President shift his focus from political ambitions to addressing the critical issues facing the nation. The Union voiced its strong belief that any true son or daughter of the Yoruba people would no longer support Tinubu given the current state of affairs.

"Nigerians are not subjects in a monarchy," they stated. "The country’s future must be shaped by a government that listens to its people, acts in their best interests, and ensures the security, prosperity, and well-being of its citizens." The Union’s final words were a direct challenge to the President and his administration: "Enough is enough."