Opinion: The Planned Days Of Rage Protest; Conspiracy Of Yoruba Elites And Demonization Of Igbos – By OPE BANWO


I am a proud Yoruba man representing the ‘Fadeyi Constituency’ of life in Nigeria (my catchphrase for all the powerless and opportunity-less in a land blessed with so much), and I was very happy to finally read a poignant piece from a much-respected Yoruba man like Babafemi Badejo, who broke ranks with many Yoruba elites to speak the truth to our brother Yoruba in power.

Thank God for the few true Omoluabi Yorubas remaining, like Babafemi Badejo (a former UN Representative), who show that there are still a few Yoruba elites left who can see the developing dark clouds over our nation with frankness and call it what it is, instead of joining many of their elite ethnic brothers and sisters in throwing the Igbos under the bus for everything about the reaction of suffering Nigerians to the unbearable pain our whole nation is going through, regardless of tribe and clime.

I have observed that these days, many of us Yorubas, now that we are in power, seem so blinded by our love for our tribe and ethnic region, buoyed up by our previously hidden hatred for the Igbos, that we now automatically adopt the position to blame the Igbos or Peter Obi first for anything that happens in Nigeria today that is against the status quo. Many Yoruba elites do not seem to notice or care that the Igbos are not in power, and Peter Obi, the so-called ‘Igbo leader,’ has not even taken the posture of being the leader of the opposition other than speaking out occasionally against unacceptable policies of this government as is his right. As far as they are concerned, the Igbos are the demons behind every ill wind they feel, even if it is a result of the direct actions of a government that is going nowhere fast despite its cast of very smart Yoruba elites.

Truth be told, after listening to and watching some of the most cerebral Yoruba leaders I know throw reason to the wind in their collective disdain for Igbos, I was beginning to think that there must be a conspiracy among Yoruba elites to play the ostrich over the underperforming administration of Tinubu that has left most Nigerians in more poverty and hopelessness.

Rather than speaking truth to power, most Yoruba elites, who were very vocal against GEJ’s failures and Buhari’s backward-moving government, have now chosen to hide under the banner of ethnic jingoism by always blaming one tribe (especially the Igbos) while ignoring the dissatisfaction among Yorubas with the current status quo. All of a sudden, it is unpatriotic to demonstrate against the rising cost of living, and all we hear now is, “if the Igbos want to demonstrate, let them go to their land,” as if all Igbos have had an ethnic meeting and declared they want to come down and burn down Lagos, Ibadan, and maybe my Ijebu Mushin too.

It’s just all weird to me.

Take this planned Days of Rage Protest, for instance. We can all see that many high-profile Nigerians, including well-known Yoruba men like Sowore, Babatunde Gbadamosi, and Adeyanju, are behind this protest, along with some Igbos and Hausas. However, many of my Yoruba elites have taken the default position that it is only the Igbos planning it against their own Yoruba man, President Tinubu. They have chosen to believe their own lies that the only objective of this planned protest is for Igbos to burn down the properties of Yorubas in Lagos, even when it is their own fellow Yoruba men who have carried this planned protest in their heads! This is most unfortunate.

Listening to many prominent Yoruba leaders, one might get the impression that only the Igbos are planning to demonstrate and that they intend to burn down Lagos or Ibadan out of envy for what the Yorubas have achieved.

Frankly, I think it’s disgusting for some of our elders who know better to take that position. I cannot believe I am now hearing previously violent NADECO members, who even detonated bombs during their own fight for democracy, speak with a straight face that anyone who protests will go home in a body bag. Ha!


Truth is, if we want to condemn a potentially violent demonstration, let’s all condemn it regardless of which tribe we assume is leading it. And to be perfectly clear, I personally condemn the planned Days of Rage protest in the strongest terms. I condemn it not because I oppose demonstrating against this government (I believe we should all protest against Tinubu’s government to let him know how bad things are and make the leaders do right by us, as is allowed in any democracy), but I condemn it because of the connotations of violence evoked by the themes “Days of Rage” and “Revolution Now” unfortunately adopted by the organizers.

I cannot support a protest with the theme to do rage or to bring everything down, no matter how strongly I believe this government should get a taste of its own protest medicine. That’s why I am not supporting it, but I am also all for the idea of protests. 100%.

Only a naive person would assume that anything called ‘Days of Rage’ or ‘Revolution Now’ (an organization run by a known Yoruba man campaigning for the release of a murderous insurrectionist like Nnamdi Kanu) will be peaceful. The protest’s name alone evokes chaos, and no responsible patriot should support it.

That’s why I am not for Days of Rage, but I do believe that citizens have a right to protest peacefully, and they should protest peacefully against the current government. It has brought us nothing but economic hardship while they build N20 billion houses and increase their fleet of private jets and drive around in N200 million naira cars paid for by the resources of the people! Yes, we should peacefully protest a situation of runaway inflation and mass unemployment and mass hunger in the land! I am just not for any Days of Rage or Revolution Now since they may cause more deaths and violence by their mere characterization through their slogans.

However, for any of my Yoruba brothers and sisters to divert attention from the catalysts of disaffection that gave rise to this planned protest by playing the tribal blame game is unacceptable to me.

Yoruba leaders who claim only the Igbos are planning to demonstrate hypocritically downplay the fact that their own Yoruba sons and brothers are prominent in organizing this protest. Sowore is very visible; he coined the phrase ‘Day of Rage,’ organized Twitter meetings to decide on demands, and published those demands, including the release of Kanu.

Yet, it’s the Igbos who want to take Tinubu down? What a laugh.

Make no mistake: there are indeed many reasons to protest in this nation right now. GEJ did not put us through 50% of what we are enduring now before the same Tinubu called Nigerians to the streets to discredit Jonathan’s government and ultimately cost him his second term.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. It’s supposed to be a democratic right to protest, but now our so-called democratic Yoruba leaders are threatening death to anyone who dares to protest. They are rolling out sacred traditional institutions to intimidate citizens by doing 15 days of Oro—a period longer than ever before.

Let’s be clear: while the chosen name for the planned protest is unfortunate, the organizers have not committed any violence yet. They have not attacked anyone and have not stated any violent intentions. They asked for safe passage and a place to demonstrate, but our Yoruba elites consider it insulting that they are asking for permission to use public places or even for water (which, while ridiculous, shows they want to come in peace). You can’t just shut down a planned demonstration out of fear of violence.

Sure, we had violence in the past with EndSARS, but everyone forgets that the violent aftermath was caused by the violent shooting of protesters in the first place. If the government didn’t shoot youthful protesters who had been peacefully protesting for two weeks, maybe we would not have had the mindless violence that followed.

We cannot overcompensate for previous violent protests by saying nobody can protest now that Yorubas are in power.

I am most unhappy about this and will keep saying so. I am embarrassed by the number of prominent Yorubas who have become murderous defenders of an underperforming government just because it’s one of their own.

I am hearing SANs and state elders threatening instant death and shonpono against demonstrators, and I shudder.

What’s going on, you all? Is your love for Tinubu so strong that you refuse to see the reality in which most Nigerians live? Are you so committed to defending the unacceptable status quo that you are ready to throw all Igbos under the bus just to keep others oppressed? Are your own children and relatives not suffering under the hardship imposed by a man who promised us deliverance? If people want to demonstrate, should you not be encouraging them while urging them to be non-violent?

My name is Ope Banwo, the Mayor Of Fadeyi and while I am very proud of my Yoruba heritage as a double prince from Ikala, in Ijebu Imushin, I am most unhappy at the embers of ethnicism being fanned across the country against other tribes, especially the Igbos

https://daylightng.com/opinion-the-planned-days-of-rage-protest-conspiracy-of-yoruba-elites-and-demonization-of-igbos-by-ope-banwo/

The same elites that benefit from division are the ones fueling this narrative.

They want to keep us fighting while they line their pockets. Yoruba and Igbo unity is the way forward, not this drama.

It is unfortunate bat has chosen to thread a very dangerous path of causing ethnic tensions through his mouthpieces without due regard for the future consequences.

No ethnic group is perfect and each has some bad or annoying trait that others despise in them. But to now use the differences to instigate a vile and dangerous division just to cover up for failure in governance is evil.

However, more Nigerians are seeing through the deceptive shroud of hiding incompetence under ethnic baiting by BAT and his cotravellers in government.

Nigerians might have thier differences, but they are united in asking for good governance and an alleviation of the present suffering brought on by the apc and bat.

I have observed that these days, many of us Yorubas, now that we are in power, seem so blinded by our love for our tribe and ethnic region, buoyed up by our previously hidden hatred for the Igbos, that we now automatically adopt the position to blame the Igbos or Peter Obi first for anything that happens in Nigeria today that is against the status quo.

Many Yoruba elites do not seem to notice or care that the Igbos are not in power, and Peter Obi, the so-called ‘Igbo leader has not even taken the posture of being the leader of the opposition other than speaking out occasionally against unacceptable policies of this government as is his right. As far as they are concerned, the Igbos are the demons behind every ill wind they feel, even if it is a result of the direct actions of a government that is going nowhere fast despite its cast of very smart Yoruba elites.

Truth be told, after listening to and watching some of the most cerebral Yoruba leaders I know throw reason to the wind in their collective disdain for Igbos, I was beginning to think that there must be a conspiracy among Yoruba elites to play the ostrich over the underperforming administration of Tinubu that has left most Nigerians in more poverty and hopelessness

Afamed, Sarrki, Helinues, Eriggs, Mannabbgrills, LegendHero, Seunmsg, NgeneUkwenu

Wetin bring Yoruba elites into this? Which Yoruba elites supported Igbo must go nonsense? Which Yoruba social media influencers supported the Igbo must go?

This epistle na radarada talk.

https://www.nairaland.com/8168535/nothing-like-igbo-must-go

Looks like some people are trying to twist the narrative again. The Yoruba elite are not the enemy here; they’re just trying to protect their interests and maintain peace in the region. The constant finger-pointing at Igbos won’t solve anything. We need to unite and address our issues collectively instead of casting blame. It’s high time we focus on building bridges, not walls.

Another gaslighting moronic hypocrisy from the deluded Ibos! The problem with Ibo’s is,’they always think they can deceive the yorubas,maybe because we are too liberal! Half of what you are trying with us,you dare not try it with the Hausa’s! They will destroy you in split seconds! Even a 6 months old can figure out the Ibo’s mindset towards Nigeria! SINCE I CANT HAVE IT,LET NIGERIA BURN AGENDA! But GOD HAS ALWAYS BE FAITHFUL TO NIGERIA! DARKNESS can’t prevail over light! IBO AGENDAS ALWAYS FAIL,it’s Devine! HAUSAS YOUR SLAVE MASTERS ASKED THE IBOS TO LEAVE THE NOTH JUST TWO YEARS AGO, you never cried and shed tears and start tagging WORLD TRADE CENTER,even when every government entities dissociate from lagospedia guy they have been busy crying as NIGERIA UNITY BEGGER! Ibo’s need a reflection on themselves why people treat them with disgust and disdain! In all my 25 years of existence in Nigeria,only an anambra guy has ever told me to ask my father a Lagos island man with numerous property to move it! Until Ibos are taught bitter lesson they will never stop crossing their boundaries in southwest! This last election really bring out the evilness of the Ibo,let’s see how they will end!

Racoon:
Afamed, Sarrki, Helinues,
Eriggs, Mannabbgrills, LegendHero, Seunmsg, NgeneUkwenu

What do you need my validation for when I am already on the thread?

Why should our validations about your opinion always be a must? Aren't you sure of your own thoughts?

helinues:
Wetin bring Yoruba elites into this? Which Yoruba elites supported Igbo must go nonsense? Which Yoruba social media influencers supported the Igbo must go? This epistle na radarada talk.
https://www.nairaland.com/8168535/nothing-like-igbo-must-go

Perhaps you thinks everyone is myopic, slow-in-reasoning or have poor retentive memory. Tinubu openly denigrate Peter Obi by saying it is an abomination to mention his name in his presence.

Then followup, his master thugs and attack dogs-in-chief; MC Oluomo, Bayo Onanuga, Femi Fani-Kayode, Oba of Lagos and others openly threatened and unleashed unimaginable assault on Igbos during the last elections. Don't ask me for evidence because they are all on the Internet( twitter, Facebook, print media etc)

Even some Yorubas with Igbo semblance were appalled at the behaviours of their kinsmen towards them and vow not to identify with the race. They are on twitter especially. Ife Salako, Jumoke Alawode, etc.

This is a crucial moment for us as Yorubas. We must embrace unity and reject the divisive narratives that seek to pit us against our Igbo brothers. True leadership lies in acknowledging our collective struggles and standing together for the betterment of all Nigerians. Let's not allow ethnic sentiments to cloud our judgment; we are stronger when we stand as one. The future of our nation depends on our ability to foster understanding and cooperation among all tribes.

Philipponzaghi:
This is a crucial moment for us as Yorubas. We must embrace unity and reject the divisive narratives that seek to pit us against our Igbo brothers. True leadership lies in acknowledging our collective struggles and standing together for the betterment of all Nigerians.

Let's not allow ethnic sentiments to cloud our judgment; we are stronger when we stand as one. The future of our nation depends on our ability to foster understanding and cooperation among all tribes.

Hehehe! Ask Oba of Lagos, MC Oluomo and Tinubu first you hear. History has been documented and receipts have been collected

Racoon:
Perhaps you thinks everyone is myopic, slow-in-reasoning or have poor retentive memory. Tinubu openly denigrate Peter Obi by saying it is an abomination to mention his name in his presence.

Then followup, his master thugs and attack dogs-in-chief; MC Oluomo, Bayo Onanuga, Femi Fani-Kayode, Oba of Lagos and others openly threatened and unleashed unimaginable assault on Igbos during the last elections. Don't ask me for evidence because they are all on the Internet.

Even some Yorubas with Igbo semblance were appalled at the behaviours of their kinsmen towards them and vow not to identify with the race.

Interesting.

The curiosity is, do you also have records of what the likes of Kanu, Simon Ekpa, Ipob members have been saying about Yoruba's and South West?

It's important to know if you also have the records or not before I can know where to start the replying from

helinues:
Interesting. The curiosity is, do you also have records of what the likes of Kanu, Simon Ekpa, Ipob members have been saying about Yoruba's and South West? It's important to know if you also have the records or not before I can know where to start the replying from

Except for the Igbo man implicated in the Oyingbo bus burning, which other Igbo fella have been implicated in the magnitude of assault ever visited on the Igbos by touts, thugs, brigands and miscreants in the SW?

Racoon:
Except for the Igbo man implicated in the Oyingbo bus burning, which other Igbo fella have been implicated in the magnitude of assault ever visited on the Igbos by touts, thugs, brigands and miscreants in the SW?

Do you also have records of what the likes of Kanu, Simon Ekpa, Ipob members have been saying about Yoruba's and South West? It's important to know if you also have the records or not before I can know where to start the replying from

Please I don't want back and forth arguments this morning. I asked a straight question, answer it straight without bending.

Do you have records of what Nnamdi Kanu in particular said about Yoruba's and South West on his then Radio Biafra?

helinues:
Wetin bring Yoruba elites into this? Which Yoruba elites supported Igbo must go nonsense? Which Yoruba social media influencers supported the Igbo must go?

This epistle na radarada talk.

https://www.nairaland.com/8168535/nothing-like-igbo-must-go

Why are you so quick to insult Yoruba elders who stands on the path of truth ?

Why do you hate the truth so much and still pretends to be neutral?

LagosPrince:

Why are you so quick to insult Yoruba elders who stands on the path of truth ?

Why do you hate the truth so much and still pretends to be neutral?

Trolling is not good without the ability to read and comprehend..

The narrative is skewed; it's time we recognize the strength in unity rather than division. Yoruba elites are not the enemy, and demonizing the Igbos only fuels unnecessary conflict. Let's focus on collaboration and progress instead of playing blame games.

What a powerful reflection, Ope!

It’s refreshing to see a true Omoluabi like you challenge the narrative and remind us that unity is key. The Yoruba spirit should stand for justice and solidarity, not division. Let's rise above ethnic sentiments and advocate for a better Nigeria together!

helinues:
Wetin bring Yoruba elites into this? Which Yoruba elites supported Igbo must go nonsense? Which Yoruba social media influencers supported the Igbo must go?

This epistle na radarada talk.

https://www.nairaland.com/8168535/nothing-like-igbo-must-go

Always read before you comment
You're writing off point

Kukutente23:

Always read before you comment
You're writing off point

I have observed that these days, many of us Yorubas, now that we are in power, seem so blinded by our love for our tribe and ethnic region, buoyed up by our previously hidden hatred for the Igbos

Wetin bring Yoruba elites into this? Which Yoruba elites supported Igbo must go nonsense? Which Yoruba social media influencers supported the Igbo must go?

Kindly explain to us what is off about my comments.

Please do so maturely without any forms of emotions or tantrums.

Thank you

Mercenary123:
. Shvt up shitheadd

Most of Sanwuolus appointees and his spokespersons were followers of the lagospedia guy. The other guy called Gawat and some commissioners in the state were active participants in the said handle. Stop playing the ostrich conehead

Why is it hard for you lots to express yourself without attaching unnecessary emotions or throwing tantrums? I was just advising your brother above not to go in that lane.

Make una no make this una regular trademark oo

helinues:
Wetin bring Yoruba elites into this? Which Yoruba elites supported Igbo must go nonsense? Which Yoruba social media influencers supported the Igbo must go?

This epistle na radarada talk.

https://www.nairaland.com/8168535/nothing-like-igbo-must-go

. Shvt up shitheadd

Most of Sanwuolus appointees and his spokespersons were followers of the lagospedia guy. The other guy called Gawat and some commissioners in the state were active participants in the said handle. Stop playing the ostrich conehead

Yoruba people really carry their tribal bigotry with their full chest this season

SeeWahala:
Yoruba people really carry their tribal bigotry with their full chest this season

We learnt this from u and we saw how great it is to be territorial

E sweet die 😊😊

Imagine if there wasn't tribalism, just like the EndSar protest, another Chinaza go don burn more BRT buses


Maybe na Gov house Dem for target this time


I'm glad Yorubas have learnt how to play to win anyhow anyhow

Peace in the SW

Racoon:
Perhaps you thinks everyone is myopic, slow-in-reasoning or have poor retentive memory. Tinubu openly denigrate Peter Obi by saying it is an abomination to mention his name in his presence.

Then followup, his master thugs and attack dogs-in-chief; MC Oluomo, Bayo Onanuga, Femi Fani-Kayode, Oba of Lagos and others openly threatened and unleashed unimaginable assault on Igbos during the last elections. Don't ask me for evidence because they are all on the Internet( twitter, Facebook, print media etc)

Even some Yorubas with Igbo semblance were appalled at the behaviours of their kinsmen towards them and vow not to identify with the race. They are on twitter especially. Ife Salako, Jumoke Alawode, etc.

No matter how you try to form the victim, it won’t still work..

https://www.nairaland.com/7687672/tinubu-should-been-poisoned-wife

An igbo man once said Tinubu ought to have been killed. You can’t be wishing others evil and expect mercy in return..

Chinkoalhaji34:
The same elites that benefit from division are the ones fueling this narrative.

They want to keep us fighting while they line their pockets. Yoruba and Igbo unity is the way forward, not this drama.

Igbo and yourba unity .GOD forbid bad thing
Igbos will never unite with back stabbers

DevilsEqual:


We learnt this from u and we saw how great it is to be territorial

E sweet die 😊😊

I know. Carry dey go. E sweet welli-well abi?

SeeWahala:
Yoruba people really carry their tribal bigotry with their full chest this season

Returning the same energy we’ve been getting from Ibos isn’t tribalism..

Nah Jeje Yoruba dey when Ibo started the whole thing. They were warned but they didn’t listen. Here’s a 2011 thread:

https://www.nairaland.com/745731/yoruba-marginalization-elders-met-jonathan

GeneralPula:

Returning the same energy we’ve been getting from Ibos isn’t tribalism..

Nah Jeje Yoruba dey when Ibo started the whole thing. They were warned but they didn’t listen. Here’s a 2011 thread:

https://www.nairaland.com/745731/yoruba-marginalization-elders-met-jonathan

Yes - YES, go on, blame igbos for anything and everything we are all watching 👀

SeeWahala:


Yes - YES, go on, blame igbos for anything and everything we are all watching 👀

If you do me, I do you - man no go vex…

Instead of cooperation, and healthy competition with the Igbos, most Yorubas (not all) are turning their inefficiency into outright confrontation, grievance and envy against a major regional block, Eastern Nigeria.

This is dangerous.