The debate over the future of the Yoruba Nation has intensified as two prominent Yoruba organizations, the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement and the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, revealed starkly different approaches to achieving their visions for the Yoruba people’s future.
The YSDM, a leading proponent of Yoruba secession, has firmly maintained that the creation of a sovereign Yoruba Nation is the only viable path to building a prosperous and secure future for the Yoruba people. In a recent statement titled “The Deadly Distraction of Regionalism,” the General Secretary of YSDM, Mr. Moses Ojo, underscored the group’s commitment to this cause.
Ojo stated, “Let me say here that the leadership of the YSDM is actively engaged in some diplomatic moves with some well-meaning stakeholders of our struggle.” He criticized the idea of regionalism, which suggests that ethnic groups should seek greater autonomy within Nigeria rather than pursuing outright independence. Ojo argued, “The reasonable suggestion for each ethnic nationality to retain their rights to self-determination as discussed by the apostles of regionalism may be an interesting idea.”
Ojo also warned against internal divisions and external threats, stating, “Let us be wise and be unified against the enemies within. Let us be wise and unified in the quest for the ultimate good, success and prosperity of our Yoruba nation.” He emphasized the urgency of the self-determination movement by noting the perceived threats from the Fulani ethnic group, saying, “It is suicidal to toy with a heavily funded, intensively armed, and fiercely terroristic people like the Fulani who are resolved to use violence to seize our ancestral homeland from us and turn it into theirs.”
In contrast, Afenifere, a respected pan-Yoruba organization known for its advocacy for restructuring Nigeria, has voiced a different perspective. Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, responded to the calls for Yoruba Nation with a reaffirmation of the group’s focus on restructuring Nigeria rather than secession. Ajayi remarked, “The calls for nations to be carved out of the present Nigeria is understandable.”
He explained Afenifere’s position, saying, “Afenifere is however not relenting on its push for restructuring because if it is properly done, the Yoruba region, perhaps like some other regions, will be in a very good position to secure its territory and develop at its pace.” Ajayi believes that a well-executed restructuring plan could address many of the grievances fueling secessionist sentiments.
Ajayi concluded by expressing confidence in the potential of restructuring, stating, “Afenifere strongly believes that if restructuring is sincerely done and right people mount the mantle of leadership, most of those things that are fueling agitations for separate nations from Nigeria will reduce to the barest minimum and ultimately fizzle out.”
