FOREMOST traditional rulers in Yorubaland, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, have warned governors of South-West states against extinction of agriculture and research in the region.
The monarchs noted that it was the proceed of agriculture that was used to develop the region in the first republic and pre- independence days, while cautioning politicians to stop doling out motorcycles to youths, but instead, encourage them to go to farm so as to save agriculture from extinction in the region.
The custodian of culture gave the charge on Tuesday at the 30th Annual South-West Research Extension Farmers Input Linkage Systems (REFILS), Workshop organized by Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Oba Ogunwusi said, “we need to talk to ourself, Hausas are not fool, the beans, pepper, tomatoes we are eating are from North, even the cattle they are using it to disturb us is from North. What do we have, we have agriculture and research here. Don’t let them die down. We want this to be done in all the state, our billionaires, let us beg them to support agriculture and research. These are the things we have now.
Ooni continued, “in abroad, the government support research, but now there is nothing like that. We need to support agriculture and research, these are the two things left.
Commenting, Oba Adetunji who was represented by the Ekaarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Amidu Ajibade and Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by Oba Adebisi Layade, Alara Oodaye of Araland Ife, admonished those at the realm of affairs in the region to support agriculture and research as one of the two things remaining for people of the region the way it is being supported in developed countries.
Oba Adetunji stressed, “you said graduates are riding Okadas, this is because there is no love. They should stop buying Okada for our youths, tell them to stop that.
“I asked if this institution is getting support from Federal government, they said no, those who suppose to do that are not doing it.
“Our governors must support agriculture and research to prevent them from extinction. Now, all state governments need to stand up and develop agriculture.
“You need to meet traditional rulers and governments to ensure that things get better. If you get to North, they help themselves. It is bad that Yorubas don’t help themselves, look at what the North is going.
“We in Yorubaland, especially in Oyo State, we are usually the first, but now it is like we are backward because those who suppose to support agriculture are not doing so.
“You that are on the top, you don’t help your younger ones, it is important for you to help because most of you that are retiring, you don’t look back at those who succeed you, the other tribes help themselves, this cause the backwardness in Yorubaland.
“Those who you send to Abuja as representatives, most of them are looking for money to fill their own pockets”, Oba Adetunji lamented.
