First, for record purposes those agitating for Yoruba Self-Determination do not hate other ethnic groups, whether Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, or others. Sometimes we express our concerns about the killings of innocent Yoruba indigenes by the Fulani herdsmen and kidnappers and the level of insecurity in Nigeria, as well as the increasing poverty and injustice. Putting all these aside, some of us in the diaspora have seen what is happening in other nations whose populations are lesser than that of The Yoruba existing within the Southwest of Nigeria, and we concluded that The Yoruba should be able to stand as a nation and survive.
The Yoruba satisfies the requirements of a nation as defined by international standards. The definition of a nation includes descriptions such as a group with the same language, culture, and ideology that The Yoruba fulfills. As a nation state, the Yoruba country would experience a tumultuous beginning, I believe the country would gradually evolve into a formidable country.
Furthermore, in agitating for a Yoruba Nation, our belief is that Biafra Nation, Arewa Nation, Niger-Delta, and Middle-belt Nation would also emerge. If all these nations emerge and are allowed to develop at their own pace, we would have better, thriving, and competing nations. The lives of the citizens of these nations will also be improved under the new reality as compared to the Nigeria contraption. The middle class and lower-class people will fare better under independent nations compared to their current status in Nigeria, in which only the Elites enjoy.
Nobody in Nigeria today would doubt or disagree with my submission on this. Nigeria of today is for elites. The de-amalgamation of Nigeria today would produce nations for all regardless of your class. The Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Urhobo, Tiv, and other ethnicities have what it takes to develop their nations without interference.
On this note, the agitation for a Yoruba Nation began on my side. I do not hate any region, religion, or ethnicity. I believe in love, Peace, and Unity among all. I am appealing to all to share this sentiment that the lower class and the masses must be catered for. The only way this can be achieved is through “A New Beginning”.
A new beginning calls for “A New Constitution” and “A New Nation”. Before 1914, these nations exist and can be revived. Agitation for the de-amalgamation of Nigeria is for the betterment of the masses. Having a Yoruba Nation would not stop Fulanis from herding in the Yorubaland, they would only have to respect its rules. The Igbo would still be able to live and trade in Yorubaland but would also have to respect its rules. The Yoruba would be able to defend their territory as required. Security of other nationals would be guaranteed as long as they respect the Constitution of the Yoruba Nation, Sovereignty, and its territorial integrity. The Omo Oduduwa would be able to live in Igbo, Arewa, Tiv, Ijaw, Edo, Urhobo, and other nations on the principle of mutual respect and friendship.
In conclusion, this may sound impossible but it is achievable if we all agree and believe. The only thing that is constant is change. What has this Nigeria offered you in the last 25 years that you think these nations cannot offer its citizens in the next 25 years? The Yoruba under the Republic of Oduduwa would not be so divided in terms of Ideology,
Culture and Religion as it is under Nigeria. I don’t think any reasonable person would disagree with this. In the light of all these, I appeal to all citizens of Nigeria today to give room for the de-amalgamation of Nigeria as already suggested in the 1914 amalgamation document.
Temitope Ayilara.
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