The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has warned that he’s not interested in leaving Nigeria to form a new country.

This comes as leading Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho and others intensified efforts calling for the breakup of Nigeria and the formation of Oduduwa republic.

Oba Akanbi while addressing journalists in his palace earlier on Monday also called on Nigerians in the Diaspora to exercise caution in contributing to the discussions so as not to fuel division in the country.

While noting that a divided Nigeria could mean failure for the black race because Nigeria is the powerhouse and hope of the black race, the monarch explained that no individual can break the country at this critical time as such agitation is inimical and capable of eroding the African continent.

According to him, “Nigeria is an indivisible, unbreakable, inseparable and impenetrable nation and the hope of the black race. Nigeria remains the unified force of the black race and its weaknesses must be properly and technically managed. Any attempt to break Nigeria up will unavoidably result in the separation of the black race, worldwide.

“I want to admonish the agitators of Nigeria’s break up to channel their energy towards productive venture such as calling for quality governance and devolution of power as done in some advanced countries.

“We should act politely by managing issues maturely and not calling for war. Such discussions could be interpreted as beating the drums of war. They should know they have families and relatives here in Nigeria. War knows no one.

“The leaders at the helms of affairs should be tasked to give dividends of democracy and quality lives to citizens. Promoting secession is like fuelling war that will consume the black race. As a responsible father to the nation, I can never be part of such move.

“The government is tasked to make available the dividends of democracy through policies that cut across all classes and social strata. The agitators should dust their Voters’ cards, take part in election and promote competent candidates. Nigeria is too delicate to beat the drum of division synonymous with war.”

Expressing optimism that Nigeria will bounce back, the traditional ruler stated that she will survive the trying times and be an envy of great nations.

“We have what it takes. What we need can only be done by competent leaders. Let us harmonise interests to demand quality governance.”