June 29, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Think Yoruba First, TYF, organization worldwide has strongly condemned remarks made by Pastor Bolaji Idowu, lead Pastor of Harvesters International Church, describing Yorubas as “cowards”.
In a statement signed by the organisation’ Publicity Relation Officer, Ogbeni Oluwole, made available to The Yoruba Times on Sunday, describes the assertion as “beer parlor statements” devoid of empirical facts.
The organisation stated, “It took guts to build the Ife civilization and export it to as far as Ghana and Benin Republic. It also took bravery to build one of the most iconic empires ever seen- The Oyo Empire.”
The group highlighted the bravery of Yoruba warriors, citing the Kiriji war, which lasted 16 years, and the role of Yoruba soldiers in the Civil War.
“Colonel Adekunle took out more Biafran soldiers than any other officer,” the statement read.
“Another Yoruba man, Obasanjo, was the one who Biafra surrendered to.”
The group also referenced the June 12 crisis, saying, “Many are witnesses to our brothers daring armored tanks and ready to die while other tribes ran away from Yorubaland in fear.”
They further noted the sacrifices of Yoruba elders and youths during this period.
The statement concluded, “We refuse to allow anyone to project their inferiority complex on an entire bloodline of warriors and kings. We want to strongly advise that he sticks to his calling of spreading salvation and hope.”
