Don’t allow war before Yoruba separate from Nigeria – Self determination group tells Tinubu
The Yoruba Self Determination Movement (YSDM) has urged President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders in Nigeria to consider the potential for civil unrest if the Yoruba nation is not granted the opportunity to separate from the country.
The appeal was made by YSDM leaders during a press conference held Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. Comrade George Akinola, the Deputy National Leader of YSDM, emphasized the need for Tinubu to address the grievances of the Yoruba people before the nation faces disintegration.
Akinola reiterated calls for Yoruba self-determination, stating that the Yoruba have endured significant hardships within Nigeria. He argued that granting the Yoruba community independence would alleviate many of the challenges they currently face.
Criticizing the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, Akinola pointed out that YSDM has taken legal action to challenge its validity in court. He conveyed the growing frustration among Yoruba people, underscoring their desire for recognition as a sovereign nation.
“What we want is a sovereign independent Yoruba nation. Our sovereignty must be total,” Akinola said. He contended that the 1999 Constitution lacks proper representation of the Yoruba people, questioning its legitimacy since it was drafted without their input.
The YSDM leader also highlighted the challenges posed by insecurity, stating that many villages have been abandoned as a result. He proposed the establishment of a commonwealth for the Yoruba nation, arguing that the current legal framework has failed to represent their interests.
Akinola acknowledged Tinubu as a brother but cautioned that political success in the 2027 elections would not eliminate the Yoruba’s pursuit of independence. He lamented the degradation of federalism in Nigeria and urged ethnic nationalities to seek measures for self-determination and the protection of their rights.
“The Yoruba people are angry and fed up with Nigeria. What we desire most at this time is to become a sovereign nation,” Akinola concluded.
