Professor Wale Adeniran, the former deputy leader of Ilana Omo Oduduwa, has returned to Nigeria after a period of exile. Adeniran and Professor Banji Akintoye left the country in May 2021 amidst the Yoruba Nation’s struggle for self-determination and took up residence in the Republic of Benin. In a recent statement issued in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Adeniran called upon President Bola Tinubu to restore the nation to its former glory.
He highlighted Tinubu’s significant role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during the Abacha era, even going into exile. Adeniran, who has actively participated in the Yoruba self-determination movement, emphasized the pressing issues of security, poverty, employment, and electricity mentioned in Tinubu’s inauguration address. Expressing optimism, he believes that the new administration will rectify past mistakes and restore safety and livability to Nigeria.
Adeniran drew Tinubu’s attention to the deteriorating state of the education system, with universities suffering reputational damage and a demoralized workforce. He urged urgent measures to upgrade and expand university facilities, increase funding to boost staff and student morale, and foster innovative ideas that can drive technological development.