Amid ongoing debates over restructuring and self-determination in Nigeria, Professor Banji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation Movement, Ilana Omo Oodua, has reiterated his commitment to achieving the dreams of the Yoruba Nation.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, he argued that restructuring alone would not address the security concerns of the Yoruba people, citing the continued presence of Fulani herders accused of perpetrating atrocities against the Yoruba community.
In a recent interview, the professor expressed his frustration with the focus on restructuring, questioning why the plight of the Yoruba people at the hands of Fulani herders has not received the same attention. He emphasized that the senseless killing, maiming, raping, and kidnapping of Yoruba individuals necessitate a more drastic solution than mere restructuring.
While acknowledging the efforts of groups like Afenifere in advocating for restructuring, the professor asserted that self-determination is the only viable solution to the ongoing violence. He explained that restructuring would still leave the Yoruba vulnerable to attacks from Fulani herders who would retain their presence in Nigeria.
“The only solution to that is to separate from them; to have our own country where we can make laws and determine who to admit,” the professor stated, underscoring the necessity of sovereignty for the Yoruba people.
Addressing recent incidents of violence associated with certain factions of the self-determination movement, particularly the actions of Onitiri-Abiola’s group at the Oyo State Government House, the professor distanced himself from such displays. He emphasized that his movement for the liberation of the Yoruba Nation adheres to international law and advocates for peaceful means of achieving self-determination.
“The movement that I lead is intellectually sophisticated. No single member of the movement, even though we are in millions, will do what Mrs. Abiola-Onitiri did. She and her people are on their own. They are not part of us and we are not part of them,” the professor clarified, emphasizing the peaceful nature of his advocacy efforts.
As the debate over the future of the Yoruba people continues, the professor’s stance underscores the complexities of the situation and the divergent paths advocated by different factions within the self-determination movement. While some advocate for restructuring within Nigeria, others argue for full autonomy through secession. Amidst these debates, the imperative of ensuring the safety and well-being of the Yoruba people remains paramount, with advocates like the professor pushing for sovereignty as the ultimate solution to the ongoing challenges faced by the Yoruba community.
