Following his arrest in connection with the death of a postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Oludare, a pan Yoruba Socio-cultural Group,Yoruba Youth Forum, YYF, has urged the owner and founder of Oduduwa University, Prince Rahmon Adedoyin to urgently change the name of the University from Oduduwa.
The Group in a press release by its President-General, Comrade Abiodun Bolarinwa said that it is imperative for Prince Adedoyin to change the name of the University from Oduduwa to another name because of the bad impression it might create when linking the name of Oduduwa to the controversial death of the OAU student.
“The name ‘Oduduwa’ is a general and historical name that brings all Yoruba descent home and abroad together. Even before the recent death of the OAU student; we have mandated our lawyers to write the owner of the University over the use of the name. And now that the name is being linked to this kind of unfortunate incident, though under investigation; we are calling the owner to as a matter of urgency change the name of the institution from ‘Oduduwa’ to another name.”
The Group added that it had seen negative comments from people of other tribes linking ‘Oduduwa’ which is a general name for all Yorubas to ritualism and diabolic activities.
“Many of those who are not Yorubas and who do not have an understanding that the owner’s use of ‘Oduduwa’ for his private University doesn’t mean that it represents all Yoruba people. Yoruba people whose founding father was ‘Oduduwa’ are not ritualists. The single action of one man that is still being investigated cannot represent all Yoruba people.”
“It is in view of this misconception that we are calling on all Yoruba Obas and elders to prevail on Prince Adedoyin to change the name of his private University from ‘Oduduwa.”
The Group however commiserated with the family and friends of Timothy Oludare over the untimely death of their son.
“As the apex Yoruba youth group, we’re saddened by news of the death of a promising Yoruba youth, Timothy Oludare in such a very controversial manner. We pray that the good Lord will give the family fortitude to bear the great loss.”
“We also commend the efforts of the Osun State Police Command so far and at same time calling on the Command to further investigate and get to the root of the matter so that justice can be done.”