May 05, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
A prominent Yoruba leader and National Leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM), Prof. Banji Akintoye, has declared that the Yoruba Nation can achieve greatness in under five years if its people unite and act decisively.
In a powerful address on Sunday, Prof. Akintoye called for global Yoruba unity, urging the people to work towards building a brighter future for their nation.
“We Yorubas will make our country a great nation in the world in less than five years by God’s power,” Prof. Akintoye declared. “This is your duty.
“Everybody, be determined—the day is about to dawn, and you should be ready.”
Prof. Akintoye emphasized the need for Yorubaland to break free from the destructive patterns seen in the Nigerian federation, stressing that the region’s unique identity must be preserved. He urged Yoruba youths in the diaspora to return home and contribute to rebuilding a nation that reflects their values and heritage.
“You just need to come home quickly to free and make the country better so that they will not turn it into what Nigeria is,” he said.
“No Nigerian culture should be allowed into our country—it is different.”
Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who spearheaded Western Nigeria’s rapid development in the 1950s, Prof. Akintoye expressed confidence in the Yoruba people’s ability to achieve greatness.
Despite his advanced age, he pledged to remain a steadfast supporter of the cause.
“I, your father, am ready. Truly, I am old, but I am ready; I will be solidly behind you in God’s power,” he assured.
