The Association of Yoruba Traditional Leaders and Obas across the 19 Northern states and Federal Capital Territory has made a passionate appeal for unity between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria. This call comes as the nation faces escalating security challenges that affect citizens regardless of their ethnic, religious, or regional backgrounds.
United Front Against Criminal Elements
In a significant statement released on November 22, 2025, the Yoruba leadership emphasized that criminality rather than religious or ethnic motives lies at the heart of Nigeria's security crisis. Alhaji Abdulrahim Juma Yusuf Alao, the Oba Yoruba of Gombe and General Secretary of the association, articulated the group's position that the violence plaguing various regions represents the work of criminal networks rather than any state-sponsored campaign against religious groups.
The leadership collective includes Alhaji Muritala Sani Adeleke, the Sarkin Yorubawan Funtua who serves as Chairman, alongside the Executive Council and General Assembly of the Association. This umbrella organization represents all Yoruba socio-cultural groups operating within Northern Nigeria and the FCT.
Addressing International Concerns
The association acknowledged President Donald Trump's expressed concerns about Nigeria's security situation while emphasizing that such international attention should be grounded in accurate information and deep understanding of the country's complex dynamics. The leaders specifically addressed Nigeria's placement on the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list, arguing that such designations should reflect factual realities rather than misinterpretations.
Regarding international cooperation, the Yoruba leaders stressed that Nigeria values constructive partnerships with friendly nations including the United States, but such cooperation must be collaborative, mutually respectful, and consistent with UN Charter principles of sovereign equality and non-interference in internal affairs.
Path Forward for National Security
The association recognized the Federal Government and security agencies' ongoing efforts to combat security threats while calling for enhanced coordination and strengthened security command structures. They highlighted that improved security would restore public confidence, bring government closer to the people, and boost foreign direct investment essential for economic growth.
In their concluding remarks, the Yoruba leaders urged all Nigerians—regardless of ethnicity, faith, or political affiliation—to maintain unity against what they described as the "hydra-headed monster of insecurity." They called upon national and international commentators to approach Nigeria's challenges with adequate knowledge, unbiased perspectives, and constructive intentions, warning that sensational or uninformed statements only escalate tensions and misrepresent the actual experiences of Nigerians across different communities.
