The recent invasion by a fringe group affiliated with the Yoruba Nation movement was not just audacious, it was a colossal misstep.
The group, armed, attempted to forcefully take over the Oyo State Government House and the state House of Assembly.
In a symbolic gesture, they attempted to replace the Nigerian flag with their own, yearning for a separate Yoruba nation.
Although met with swift intervention by security forces, the brazen act also raises a critical question: Was it a desperate lunge for independence, or a symptom of a deeper issue within Nigeria? Their actions were not only audacious but also deeply concerning for the stability of the region.
Their use of violence not only jeopardised the safety of citizens but also undermined the legitimate grievances and peaceful efforts of the broader Yoruba self-determination movement.
Let’s be clear: Violence is a dead end. History is littered with separatist movements that achieved nothing through brute force. The decades-long struggle of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Northern Ireland ultimately reached a peaceful resolution through negotiation and political reform. The Basque separatist movement in Spain followed a similar path.
Undeterred by the failed invasion, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, the presumed leader of the group and one of the wives of the late Chief Moshood Abiola (whose 1993 presidential victory was annulled), declared the secession of the Yoruba people from Nigeria. It’s important to note, however, that this declaration lacked widespread support. Prominent Yoruba leaders, such as Banji Akintoye and Sunday ‘Igboho’ Adeyemo, distanced themselves from the group’s action.
The Yoruba Nation, under the leadership of Banji Akintoye, has demonstrated a far more productive approach. Their strategy of garnering millions of signatures, utilising media outreach, and peaceful protests highlights the power of public engagement. This democratic approach not only garners international sympathy but also keeps the focus on the core issue: the need for restructuring Nigeria’s federal system.
The Oyo invasion, on the other hand, achieves nothing but alienates potential allies and strengthens the hand of those who dismiss Yoruba self-determination as mere extremism. It allows the government to paint the entire movement with the brush of violence, diverting attention away from legitimate concerns regarding unequal resource distribution and lack of regional autonomy.
This incident serves as a reminder that the path to change lies not in armed rebellion, but in the power of collective action and unwavering commitment to peaceful dissent. Here’s where the Yoruba Nation can truly learn from successful movements around the world.
Brexit is a potent example.
The frustration and desire for change felt by many within the Yoruba community are understandable. However, resorting to violence only weakens their position. The true power lies in harnessing the collective voice of the people, maintaining a united front, and strategically pressuring the government for meaningful reform.
Nigeria desperately needs a conversation on restructuring. The Yoruba Nation can be a driving force in this discussion, but only if it remains committed to peaceful resistance and democratic engagement. Forceful takeovers achieve nothing but chaos; genuine change requires the unwavering pursuit of justice through peaceful means.