Mixed reactions are trailing a letter written to President Muhammadu Buhari by a Yoruba leader, Professor Banji Akintoye, asking for the support of the President for the South-West people to secede from Nigeria.

Akintoye, who wrote on behalf of the Yoruba Self-Determined Movement, YSDM, told Buhari that the South-West wanted a “peaceful break away” of the Yoruba nation from Nigeria.

He said in the letter that an overwhelming number of the Yoruba want out of the country because of their “worsening and painful plight.”

The letter read in part: “Mr President, the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement now serves you notice of the decision of the Yoruba people to assert their right to self-determination which is an inalienable and unquestionable right of every indigenous nation in the world.


“Upon asserting this right of self-determination, we the Yoruba nation shall be free to determine our political status, pursue our economic, social and cultural development according to policies chosen independently by us, and to live under the government independently chosen and ordered by us”.

The letter has divided the leaders and stakeholders of Yorubaland. Expectedly, the disagreement is between those who are in support of the Akintoye group’s move and those against.

‘Akintoye is right’

The Secretary-General, Yoruba Council of Elders, YCE, Dr Kunle Olajide, is one of those on the side of the YSDM leader. One of his reasons he gave for his decision is that people could no longer go to their farms due to insecurity.

Olajide said: “Prof. Akintoye is right and the YCE is in support of what he has said. You and I know that we have not sat down anywhere to properly plan, discuss and have a majority agree that it must happen on a particular day. “However, there is still room for discussion because we have some of our men and women in this Federal Government as well. We must not see the FG as being different and we, the Yoruba, as different.

“We have Yoruba ministers and, presently, a Yoruba is the Vice President.

“ I would advice Akintoye to look for an opportunity to invite our son, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and one of the Senate leaders to sit together and take a decision.

“If we are not free to go to our farms and walk safely in the country because government cannot guarantee our safety, then you do not blame anybody in this country that is considering the other option.”

Nothing is wrong – Arogbofa

A former General Secretary of Afenifere, Bashorun Sehinde Arogbofa, echoed Olajide’s sentiment, saying there was nothing wrong in seeking self-determination.

“I don’t see anything wrong in that, at least, it will be on record that such request was made to the government. He’s in order, what he has written is supported by us”, Arogbofa noted.

Important step – Ajibulu

The General Secretary of the Ekiti Council of Elders, Elder Niyi Ajibulu, said the letter was an important step in resolving the protracted issues in the country.

“It is only through discussion that issues can be resolved. I think it’s the right step in the right direction; rather than creating problems, the best thing is for them to write a letter and for the Federal Government to respond”, Ajibulu said.

“The request is for a meeting to discuss, it shouldn’t be too difficult for government to sit down with any group and discuss how to solve the problem confronting the nation”.

Nobody is happy – Ogunsakin

On his part, the Chairman of Ekiti Traditional Chieftaincy Title Holders, Chief Olu Ogunsakin, stressed that Akintoye spoke the minds of the Yoruba people.

“I read the letter and I don’t think there is nothing wrong in that. At least, he expressed the minds of the Yoruba people in that letter and I don’t think I have any objection to that write-up”, Ogunsakin said.

“He spoke on behalf of the Yoruba and, with the way things are going, nobody is really happy with the situation in the country”.

Also speaking, a public affairs commentator, Zadok Akintoye, said it had become necessary that civil channels like the one used by Akintoye be encouraged in place of violent agitations like the one done by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPoB, among others.

“I commend this effort and believe it has become important to take this route as a path to the actualization of more independent regions”, he stated.

‘Peaceful separation’

A former gubernatorial candidate in Ogun State, Ogbeni Lanre Banjo, said, “The tone of the letter is to seek peaceful separation or allowance of regional governments.

“The decision to have a separate nation is that of an overwhelming majority of Yoruba worldwide. Submission of over five million signatures required by the United Nation to substantiate that requirement has been complied with.

“One of the other steps is to notify the President of the country. The letter specifically stated the sufferings of other ethnicities in the hands of the President’s tribe.

“Furthermore, the President complicates matters by being the Patron of Fulani herdsmen allegedly terrorizing Nigerians without deterring actions.

“So, it is a requisite step to be fulfilled to merit the approval of the separation of the Yoruba nation from Nigeria”.

‘Political bargain’

Meanwhile, a member of the Yoruba self-determination group, Ilana Omo Oodua, IOO, which Akintoye also headed, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard in confidence, accused the history professor of trying to use the organisation as a political bargain.

She said: “After serving Buhari a notice that the Yoruba people want to exercise their rights to self-determination and justified it, Baba, in the same letter, is demanding for a negotiation meeting. Who does that?

“How do you request for negotiation from someone that is oppressing you and has an immense advantage over you in terms of power, arms, sovereignty, money and everything?

“What does Professor Akintoye have outside five million online petitions that warrant him to demand for a negotiation or worthy of being negotiated with outside his media noise?

“Buhari should be the one to reach out to us for negotiation, not Akintoye asking for a negotiation.

“What Akintoye did was against the run of play. When Ambassador Buratai visited Sunday Igboho in Benin prison for negotiation, he did not write the Nigerian government for negotiation, they came and Igboho turned them down. That is what is called a fighter and activist”.

‘Letter unnecessary’

Meanwhile, a political analyst, Hon Ayo Fadaka, said the letter by Akintoye to Buhari was unnecessary.

“Akintoye heads an organisation that assumes it has the responsibility to speak for the Yoruba people even when such mandate has not been given to it”, Fadaka stated.

“He is not the only one in that classification as there are many others too who equally claim to be fighting for our liberation.

“The letter was unnecessary because, for a President with Buhari’s mindset, it is just an exercise in futility. The letter, with its content, drive and desire, remains a mere exercise in futility.”

‘Self-serving’

Also, the Ondo State Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Stephen Adewale, said, “The fact that almost all of the leaders who have promoted such agitation have resorted to running away when the going gets tough is one of the contributing elements to the failure.

“When the circumstance occurs, all activists give up on the cause.

“This further demonstrates the self-serving motive of these ethnic leaders, especially those who are currently leading the Yoruba agitation.

“History has demonstrated that there is no guarantee that the citizens of Yoruba or any other ethnic nationalities in the country will be better off under a separate nation.

“The same leadership crisis that bedevils Nigeria will definitely assail the so-called new nation.

“The solution to the country’s problem, therefore, is to ensure that we all do the right thing in 2023 by voting for the right candidates that have what it takes to take the country out of the woods.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/09/s-west-secession-letter-to-buhari-divides-yoruba-leaders/

Everyone wants a better nation and ipob is being castigated for that. if Nigeria was working, nobody would want to opt out, so why can't we go back to the regional government that we used to have?

If not for Nigeria's divine destiny, I would have said "To your tent o Israel"
But, Nigeria won't break.

I admire Prof Akintoye, that's a brilliant step to take. While we process through partisan politics and remain solidly behind Tinubu and APC, we still have the right to demand for and uphold justice for our contributions to Nigeria in terms of returns & privileges. We feel cheated, and we must correct that.

Okay

ImperialYoruba:
I admire Prof Akintoye, that's a brilliant step to take. While we process through partisan politics and remain solidly behind Tinubu and APC, we still have the right to demand for and uphold justice for our contributions to Nigeria in terms of returns & privileges. We feel cheated, and we must correct that.

What makes you different from IPob?

Nigeria is one and will not divide

Support Peter Obi for a better Nigeria for all

NaijaRoyalty:

What makes you different from IPob?

We use intelligence to understand the challenge in front of us, we use strategy to address and resolve the challenge, we use wisdom to document progress and build sustainability.

We are mot ipob because we do not use brute force and violent attacks fed by fabricated lies, propaganda, lies and deceits to address conflicts that can successfully be managed using dialogue.

It will get heated in the coming days. Mark my words!You know why? Their candidate may not be getting the aspired support from the North. They have closed their media houses against any criticism of the Buhari Junta with the hope that they will get a smooth ride to the presidency. Now it is getting clearer that the people they seek for support only knows themselves and nothing else.
Southern unity would have made other region to be careful when dealing with Nigerians. But no, they will rather have infighting while they all suffer.

mycar:
Everyone wants a better nation and ipob is being castigated for that. if Nigeria was working, nobody would want to opt out, so why can't we go back to the regional government that we used to have?

Regionalism will not work anymore. We have been calling for it for decades and they have been killing the idea simply because they see it as a step towards separation. And they want to keep us as their slaves.

We are going Oodua.

mycar:
Everyone wants a better nation and ipob is being castigated for that. if Nigeria was working, nobody would want to opt out, so why can't we go back to the regional government that we used to have?

Because

1.It did not work

2.Minorities did not like it. Big tribes oppressed the smaller tribes.

3.None of the regions can live on their resources like they did in the 1960's...the populaiton has grown beyond that.

4.Regions were not as good as you think they were. Outside some parts of the cities, life was just as it is now. Even within the cities, life was harsh.

5.Most people want states, more states, not regions.

[
Sometimes you guys reason with emptiness, If someone is talking about power shift to the south, it should be SE. If you're judging from party angles, then don't blame PDP for fielding Atiku because their last president was from the south. If talk about discriminating, talk about SE. This country needs diversity management to keep sailing. Youruba has been the vice president and yet you are fighting for BAT to be the president. What happens to the other part of the south? If you're sincere, you could imagine why igbos are agitating? To be all these issues are avoidable if we have leaders willing to on board everyone regardless of your background. My humble opinion.
quote author=ImperialYoruba post=116335488]I admire Prof Akintoye, that's a brilliant step to take. While we process through partisan politics and remain solidly behind Tinubu and APC, we still have the right to demand for and uphold justice for our contributions to Nigeria in terms of returns & privileges. We feel cheated, and we must correct that. [/quote]

Sometimes you guys reason with emptiness, If someone is talking about power shift to the south, it should be SE. If you're judging from party angles, then don't blame PDP for fielding Atiku because their last president was from the south. If talk about discriminating, talk about SE. This country needs diversity management to keep sailing. Youruba has been the vice president and yet you are fighting for BAT to be the president. What happens to the other part of the south? If you're sincere, you could imagine why igbos are agitating? To be all these issues are avoidable if we have leaders willing to on board everyone regardless of your background. My humble opinion.

ImperialYoruba:
I admire Prof Akintoye, that's a brilliant step to take. While we process through partisan politics and remain solidly behind Tinubu and APC, we still have the right to demand for and uphold justice for our contributions to Nigeria in terms of returns & privileges. We feel cheated, and we must correct that.

Look closely, and you would see that the people behind the secession movement are either in PDP or supporting PDP.

When you are out of power, secession looks attractive. That's why Tinubu was saying things like..I don't believe in Nigeria unity...till he got into power.

I don't like secessionist and similar groups because they are not genuine. If many IPOB supporters suddenly became LP supporters, plus if many PDP supporters suddenly cried for Oodua republic when their party was out...and if Tinubu could be chanting restructuring when out of power...and now is a one Nigerianist when in power....

All in all, people want more and more of the national cake. Either way, Nigeria suffers.

Nigeria needs a leader who will remove subsides on power and petroleum, and widen the tax net. Now.

Buhari is just like Tinubu , he can't read or write

You See this life ehh... Worst in life is to castigate others for believing what you secretly believe in..

Sorry my Southwest brothers... your elders have ssid something which some of you spend most of your energy speaking against...

I hope you now drop Tinubu instead of your Sezession threats.... [IBB in my mind].... Vote for competence to ensure that the "repented" boko haram terrorists who have been drafted into the Nigeria Army and to the south east will not pay your region a visit...

Meanwhile.... One Nigeria...Kai dankwodo.

butterfly777:

Regionalism will not work anymore. We have been calling for it for decades and they have been killing the idea simply because they see it as a step towards separation. And they want to keep us as their slaves.

We are going Oodua.

If that's the case, why is Ipob been seen differently? I personally want united states of Nigeria, where every region is given the freedom to grow independently.

Kasssandra:


Because

1.It did not work

2.Minorities did not like it. Big tribes oppressed the smaller tribes.

3.None of the regions can live on their resources like they did in the 1960's...the populaiton has grown beyond that.

4.Regions were not as good as you think they were. Outside some parts of the cities, life was just as it is now. Even within the cities, life was harsh.

5.Most people want states, more states, not regions.

Everyone is a minority in one way or the other, at one stage or the other. All it takes to set things right is a good leader.

ImperialYoruba:


We use intelligence to understand the challenge in front of us, we use strategy to address and resolve the challenge, we use wisdom to document progress and build sustainability.

We are mot ipob because we do not use brute force and violent attacks fed by fabricated lies, propaganda, lies and deceits to address conflicts that can successfully be managed using dialogue.

You are only deceiving yourself. If you like write one million letters, they will end in Aso Rock waste bin.

No Nigerian president of northern origin will let Nigeria break without a war. That's why they consider requests to break up the country as a call for war.

Outside of politics, the north can hardly compete, so any attempt to take away Niger Delta oil and Lagos waters - the things they freely benefit from being in one Nigeria - from them will be resisted.

Alexmani:

Sometimes you guys reason with emptiness, If someone is talking about power shift to the south, it should be SE. If you're judging from party angles, then don't blame PDP for fielding Atiku because their last president was from the south. If talk about discriminating, talk about SE. This country needs diversity management to keep sailing. Youruba has been the vice president and yet you are fighting for BAT to be the president. What happens to the other part of the south? If you're sincere, you could imagine why igbos are agitating? To be all these issues are avoidable if we have leaders willing to on board everyone regardless of your background. My humble opinion.

PDP did not field Atiku. Ibo delegates betrayed ibo and SS contestants at the primary.

Same in APC.

NaijaRoyalty:

What makes you different from IPob?

Nigeria is one and will not divide

Support Peter Obi for a better Nigeria for all

u are no longer calling for Biafra because Peter Obi is contesting for president.

I can’t wait for the druggie to be defeated
Igboho,adeyinka grandson will come back again with their “Yoruba Nation now”

ImperialYoruba:


PDP did not field Atiku. Ibo delegates betrayed ibo and SS contestants at the primary.

Same in APC.

You hate igbos so much and yet they feed you. Is that not out of envy? You xan never be igbo at all. Igbos are very honest people.

ObaOfYorubaLand:


You hate igbos so much and yet they feed you. Is that not out of envy? You xan never be igbo at all. Igbos are very honest people.

Indonesia disagrees
Phillipines disagrees
India disagrees
Cambodia disagrees
China disagrees
Malaysia disagrees
UAE disagrees
Kenya disagrees
South Africa disagrees
Ghana disagrees
Uganda disagrees

Let me stop here for now.

agadez007:
I can’t for the druggie to be defeated
Igboho,adeyinka grandson will come back again with their “Yoruba Nation now”

Oodua Nation is stil alive, and let me warn you, they hate Tinubu.

Ipob will be mentioned more times than Odua right here fight now
Just like in the koran moh was only mentioned once .

After Oluwo of Iwo, others have responded to the petition of Pa Akitoye to the terrorist government of Nigeria. All fingers are pointing towards the disintegration of Nigeria and it should be rightly so. We all know that the current government will not heed to the request. They have their own plan which is the sole conquest of the South and middle belt. Those who don't appreciate IPOB today will eventually do so very soon. We are the ones that understand them very well.
NB: Oluwo's outcry isn't based out of any sincerity for equity but out of greed. His veiled speaking for Southern Nigeria isn't based on equity but rather out of selfishness. We all know who he is referring to when using Southern Nigeria. He has equated the denial of a single person being a president to the quest for secession yet has been speaking against those calling for the same secession after they've been treated with disdain for more than half a century in a country they fought hard to help free.
Like I'll always say, e go reach everybody.

The best way is divide the country

The SW should be the last group in Nigeria to ever ask for a secession! If any one tribe has enjoyed the proceeds of democracy more than any other tribe in this nation, it is the SW.

Whatever hardship the good prof is talking about can be directed to the doorpost of their son the Vice President and his aged father Yekini A. Ogunlere!

ImperialYoruba:


We use intelligence to understand the challenge in front of us, we use strategy to address and resolve the challenge, we use wisdom to document progress and build sustainability.

We are mot ipob because we do not use brute force and violent attacks fed by fabricated lies, propaganda, lies and deceits to address conflicts that can successfully be managed using dialogue.

Don't be an slowpoke. There is a reason why south west is relatively peaceful, even despite your agitations. The federal govt no reason una matter reach 1% sef. If the federal govt had killed unharmed Oduduwa protesters continuously as they did ipob, you wouldn't have remained cool. But they allowed you all do your protests in peace.

soke02:
u are no longer calling for Biafra because Peter Obi is contesting for president.

You are no longer doing oduduwa rallies, huh?

The economic, politico-religio-military and geographical foundation of this experiment of Lord Lugard is faulty to its core. While the vestigial remains of the northern military cliques of post-July 1966 have manipulated the constitution of this nation to maintain the status quo.

While, Let's keep behaving & pretending as if everything is until the self implosion or disintegration of this contraption will happen like that of USSR in the 1980s.

I keep saying it. In so much the forcefully conglomerate of incongruent entities kept giving political power/ domination and unjustly skewing the advantage to some favoured cliques, then there is gonna be no any peace or development.

I will be back