A socio-political conservative Yoruba youth group, Bilisi Movement, says it has intensified massive grassroots mobilisation across Lagos State to promote greater indigenous participation in governance and advance the interests of the Yoruba people ahead of 2027.
The group’s Coordinator, Olawale Osifeso, stated this during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Osolo of Isolo, Alagbeji III, Oba Abiodun Faronbi, in Lagos, on Sunday.
Mr Osifeso expressed concern over poor indigenous representation of Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II at the National Assembly.
He urged indigenous residents to support candidates capable of winning the constituency in the 2027 general elections.
He said the movement was building its structures from the grassroots to ensure wider participation and effective engagement with residents across communities.
“We are taking the message directly to the people because grassroots mobilisation is essential to achieving any meaningful objective,” he said.
The coordinator said the movement would continue to sensitise residents and mobilise support through meetings, community engagements and other peaceful activities aimed at deepening political awareness.
“Our approach is to educate, mobilise and encourage participation in the political process.
“We believe that informed citizens are better positioned to make the right choices during elections,” he said.
Mr Osifeso said the movement was committed to taking its message to residents at the grassroots and raising awareness of issues affecting the Yoruba people and their representation in government.
He added that the group would continue to engage community members, traditional institutions and other stakeholders peacefully as part of its efforts to advance its objectives.
“We will intensify our efforts to support Yoruba people to occupy elective positions across the state.
“While ensuring that our activities remain peaceful and focused on constructive political participation,” he said.
Mr Osifeso appealed to Yoruba youths and other residents to become more involved in the political process.
He said that active participation was necessary to influence decisions that affected their communities.
“We want our people, particularly the youths, to understand that political participation goes beyond voting during elections.
“It also involves being informed, engaging leaders and contributing meaningfully to the development of society,” he said.
Responding, the Osolo of Isolo, Alagbeji III, Oba Abiodun Faronbi, commended the movement for its efforts to promote the interests of the Yoruba people.
The traditional ruler said the Lagos and Awori people, in particular, are accommodating.
He added that the state had historically provided a home for people from different ethnic backgrounds.
“Lagos is an accommodating society, and the Awori people are known for welcoming people from different backgrounds.
“However, our people must also understand the importance of active participation in the political process,” he said.
Oba Faronbi said residents need continuous reorientation and education on the importance of participating in elections and other democratic processes.
“There is a need to educate and re-orientate our people on the importance of political participation.
“People must understand that their votes and involvement can determine who represents them at various levels of government,” he said.
He assured the group of the community’s support for its efforts to sensitise residents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged the group to sustain peaceful engagements with traditional institutions and other stakeholders.
“We will support any initiative that promotes peaceful political participation, voter education and the development of our communities, provided such activities remain within the law,” he said.
