The Yoruba Council Worldwide (Igbimo Apapo Yoruba L’Àgbaye), in partnership with the Nigeria Coalition Group (NCG) and several allied civil society organizations, has called on the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, to intervene in facilitating a high-level meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and key stakeholders in the nation’s oil and gas industry to resolve the ongoing crisis between the management of Dangote Refinery and the leadership of PENGASSAN, NUPENG, IPMAN, and DAPPMA.
The appeal was made during a press conference held at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife, Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Monday, November 3, 2025.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide, led by its President, Aare Oladotun Hassan, Esq., described the current tension between the Dangote Refinery management and oil sector unions as “a dangerous development capable of reversing Nigeria’s economic gains under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Aare Hassan expressed concern over what he described as “malicious narratives and sabotage attempts” allegedly orchestrated by powerful cabals within the oil sector. According to him, these elements are working to frustrate the operations of the newly established 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery and perpetuate fuel importation despite the country’s new refining capacity.
“We strongly call for the immediate suspension of all petroleum importation licences and urge President Tinubu to stand firm against any sabotage to Dangote Refinery’s operations. The nation cannot afford to return to the dark days of import dependency,” Aare Oladotun Hassan said.
The Council commended President Tinubu for his economic reforms and for strengthening Nigeria’s energy independence through the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). It also called for an independent probe into alleged collusion among regulatory officials and oil union leaders.
In addition, the Yoruba Council advocated for the Federal Government to increase trade margins from 15% to 30% for local oil marketers or completely ban fuel importation in line with global protectionist practices aimed at strengthening domestic refining.
The statement also expressed strong support for Alhaji Aliko Dangote, describing him as “a beacon of industrial transformation” whose efforts in constructing the refinery deserve national protection and policy stability.
Hassan noted that the refinery had survived over 20 sabotage attempts allegedly involving internal and external actors opposed to its operations.
Diplomatic Call to the United States and the Global Community
The press statement further addressed recent United States concerns about security and religious killings in Nigeria, urging Washington to adopt a diplomatic rather than punitive approach.
The Yoruba Council Worldwide called on the U.S. Government to remove Nigeria from its list of countries of security concern and instead provide military and technological support — including drones, tanks, and missile systems — similar to the assistance provided to Ukraine.
“Nigeria’s armed forces have contributed significantly to peacekeeping missions globally. What we need now is cooperation, not sanctions,” the group stated.he
While condemning all acts of terrorism and violence, the Council clarified that attacks in Nigeria have affected Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths alike, insisting that all perpetrators and sponsors of terrorism must be brought to justice without delay.
In a diplomatic appeal, the Council also extended a hand of goodwill to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to strengthen relations with Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu “in the spirit of global peace, mutual respect, and shared development.”
Upcoming Solidarity Rally
To reinforce its position, the Yoruba Council Worldwide announced a “Grand Solidarity and Thank You Rally” to show public support for President Tinubu’s economic agenda and the protection of Nigeria’s local refining industry.
Scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos by 11:00 a.m, participants in the rally, it was noted, are encouraged to wear white and jeans as symbols of peace and unity.
The statement concluded with appreciation to the Ooni of Ife for his leadership and to President Tinubu for his “commitment to restoring Nigeria’s economic sovereignty through industrial reform and energy self-reliance.”
