Bisi Akande, former interim chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the Yoruba will be at war for 100 years if Nigeria breaks up.
Speaking at the inauguration of a project by Adebayo Adelabu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in Ibadan on Monday, Akande said those calling for a Yoruba nation should have a rethink.
The former governor of Osun said the Yoruba breaking away from Nigeria may lead to bloodshed and an avoidable civil war “that would further decimate the people”.
“Those agitating for a Yoruba nation should have a rethink. This country must remain united to save it from war,” NAN quoted him as saying.
“Yoruba will be in war for another 100 years if Nigeria is allowed to break.”
While calling on those seeking a Yoruba nation to bury the idea, Akande said Nigeria is a product of war.
The former governor said those who are tormenting the country are doing so because they are products of failed states.
“Those tormenting Nigeria are doing so because they are products of failed states. It is a difficult task to stop crimes, particularly in a corrupt society,” he said.
“Now that some Nigerians are talking about breaking because of difficulties, they didn’t know that a man who cannot endure will collapse and die. Only enduring countries can stay.”
On his part, Adelabu, APC governorship candidate in Oyo in the 2019 elections, described his defeat at the poll “as a delay, not denial”.
He said his experience at the poll will make him a better governor when elected into office, adding that he will run for office again in 2023.