Yoruba youths under the aegis of the Grand Council of Yoruba Youths are canvassing for peaceful Osun and Ekiti states’ elections, even as the youths mourn the death of prominent Yoruba icons, including Olubadan of Ibadanland and Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso I and Oba (Dr) Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III, who passed on at the age of 95 and 93 respectively.

In a statement signed by its President General, Comrade AWA Bamiji, the youths noted that “Now that we are in 2022, as a major stakeholder, we see the success of Osun and Ekiti States’ Gubernatorial Elections as a major challenge for the entire Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria in general.

“The whole World is expecting spectacular performances by these Political Gladiators across Party lines both in the Primaries and General elections.

“The success of 2022 Gubernatorial polls is the foundation stone for 2023 general election. Therefore, Yorubaland can’t afford to fail”, the Yoruba youths counselled.

The youths, who mourned death of some Yorubas, said, “We commiserate with all Ibadan and Ogbomoso Indigenes, the Residents of these two major Towns, as well as the Government of Oyo State in particular, over the death of Olubadan of Ibadanland and Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso I and Oba (Dr) Oladunni Oyewunmi Ajagungbade III, who passed on at the age of 95 and 93 respectively.

“The reigns of these two first Class, illustrious aged Yoruba Monarchs will be remembered for being peaceful, eventful and the ones that brought tremendous progress to both major Towns in Africa.

“Our partnerships with the two Royal fathers on key Progressive projects as Grand Council of Yoruba Youths will forever be ever green in our memory.

“They both represented the voices of peace, calmness and conflict resolutions.

“May God Almighty grant their souls sweet repose.

“We equally mourn the death of our dear friend, beautiful Sister and the first female Deputy Speaker of Lagos State, 1999 – 2003, representing Surulere Constituency I, Rt. (Hon) Adetoun Adediran, who gave up her soul few days ago at the age of 53.

“She was survived by her Children. She was calm, cool and intelligent.

“We regret her demise but take solace in the fact that she had left indelible ink in the sand of time. May her soul rest in peace”, Comrade Awa Bamiji prayed.