The Assembly also raised alarm over reports that the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) was planning coordinated attacks on Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun states, calling for collective self-defense.
The Yoruba Assembly has cautioned against any attempt to overthrow Nigeria’s democratic government, warning that a military coup at this time would plunge the country into unprecedented turmoil and threaten its fragile stability.
The group issued the warning at its Pan-Yoruba Conference in Lagos on Wednesday, which drew hundreds of participants, including traditional leaders, political figures, and civil society representatives from across the South-West and Yoruba-speaking areas of Kwara, Kogi, and Delta states.
Reading the communiqué on behalf of the Assembly, Hon. Wale Osun, the lead speaker, said reports of alleged coup plots, though denied by the military, were consistent with historical patterns by a “cabal” that seeks to destabilize democratic structures whenever its grip on power appears to weaken.
We warn military adventurists to stay away from politics. Any attempt to truncate democracy at this moment will end up creating unprecedented violence,” Osun said.
The Assembly stated that any military intervention would derail the economy, suppress free speech, and destroy democratic gains achieved since 1999. It described such an act as “an armed opposition to democracy” likely sponsored by fascist elements “under the illusion that the control of Nigeria’s political economy is their birthright.”
Concerns Over Terror Threats in Yoruba States
The Assembly also raised alarm over reports that the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) was planning coordinated attacks on Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun states, calling for collective self-defense.
The group also warned about the latest reports that the Islamic State of West Africa is about to attack Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Osun states, saying that the Yoruba people are now compelled to organize themselves to resist the invasion in their quest for survival.
It condemned recent killings in Kwara, Kogi, and Itsekiri land, describing attacks on any Yoruba community as “an attack on all children of Odùduwà.”
The group urged the Federal Government to protect Itsekiri communities in Delta State and Yoruba populations in Kogi and Kwara, warning that both groups face what it called a “declaration of war.”
“Isekiti people are also facing historical justice with pipeline protection in their territories, handed over to their enemies. These situations can no longer be tolerated. Justice must be done before it is too late,” the Assembly warned.
Restructuring as the Way Forward
Reaffirming its long-held position, the Assembly said restructuring Nigeria along its pre-independence federal format remains the only sustainable solution to the country’s lingering political and economic challenges.
Osun and other speakers, Chief Dele Asaju, Dere Jarikpe (representing Itsekiri communities), veteran journalist Adewale Adeoye, and Yoruba leaders Rasaq Arogundade, Wasiu Afolabi, Rasaq Olokooba, and Taofik Adeyemi, emphasized that true federalism was key to ensuring fairness and regional development.
The Yoruba in Diaspora, represented by Dr. Biyi Oyefule, also pledged support for the Assembly’s call for a federal constitutional rework that grants regional autonomy.
Security Failures and the Need for Subnational Policing
The Yoruba Assembly lamented the persistent insecurity in the South-West despite federal security operations. It cited the murder of the Onikoro of Ikoro, and violent takeovers of communities by armed groups “wrongfully described as herdsmen,” who, according to the group, are in fact “foreign elements pursuing land conquest and political domination.”
The Assembly criticized South-West governors for not acting decisively, saying, “Does any of them think or is any in a position to contemplate that he acting by himself can protect his people?
“Even when the mighty force of the Federal government and her military sometimes wary under the onslaught of these terrorists! I doubt if the governors’ many internal and external travels would allow them concentrate on tackling the issue of insecurity under their nose?”
It called for subnational policing, urging governors across the country to jointly demand and implement community-based policing systems to strengthen security and reduce dependence on the central police structure.
The Assembly underscored the crucial role of traditional institutions in protecting Yoruba heritage and security, urging royal fathers to act swiftly.
“Without any delay a conference of all titular thrones in existence in 1960 to be joined by the Olubadan of Ibadan and Soun of Ogbomosho should quickly be co-convened by the Ooni of Ife and Alafin of Oyo before long. This should mark the beginning of positioning Yoruba traditional institutions for the ancestral roles marked out for them,” it stated.
On economic development, the Assembly stressed the importance of agriculture, security, and primary industrial productivity.
It advocated the revival of Industrial Development Centres (IDCs), once used to support small-scale producers, artisans, and mechanics, and called for renewed investment in technical training and rural industry.
Osun noted that while macroeconomic figures show modest progress, such as a decline in inflation from 34% in mid-2024 to 22% in September 2025, and a GDP growth projection of 3.8%, ordinary Nigerians are yet to feel the benefits.
“We can reel out positive figures, but how are they being translated to development felt by the ordinary citizen? The economic iron is already in a blistering furnace; what is left is the determination to ensure all citizens benefit from the products of that furnace,” he said.
The Assembly concluded by urging South-West governors to strengthen collaboration and lead efforts toward constitutional restructuring.
“That you need to collaborate with one another, really lean on one another to grow our region. And is the reason that each one of you should work with other interests towards supporting a complete rework of the 1999 Unitary Constitution to a Federal and regional Constitution where the federating units will have the autonomy to advance the wellbeing of their citizens,” Osun said.
Participants at the conference included political leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, and civil society advocates from Yoruba states and communities in the North Central and Niger Delta regions.
Reaffirming its long-held position, the Assembly said restructuring Nigeria along its pre-independence federal format remains the only sustainable solution to the country’s lingering political and economic challenges.
Osun and other speakers, Chief Dele Asaju, Dere Jarikpe (representing Itsekiri communities), veteran journalist Adewale Adeoye, and Yoruba leaders Rasaq Arogundade, Wasiu Afolabi, Rasaq Olokooba, and Taofik Adeyemi, emphasized that true federalism was key to ensuring fairness and regional development.
The Yoruba in Diaspora, represented by Dr. Biyi Oyefule, also pledged support for the Assembly’s call for a federal constitutional rework that grants regional autonomy
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