In comments made recently, Bolaji Omitola, a political science professor at the University of Osun (UNIOSUN), expressed his belief that the Yoruba nation agitation does not have significant support among the people of the South-West.
His remarks came in response to the renewed push for Yoruba Nation independence, particularly at a time when Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, hails from the region.
It will be recalled that individuals wearing foreign military attire recently occupied the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, and declared the secession of the Yoruba people from Nigeria, effective April 12, 2024.
In an interview with NewsNow, Omitola described the proponents of this agitation as mere impostors who stand in opposition to the traditional values of the Yoruba people since Nigeria’s independence.
He emphasized that the Yoruba community is primarily interested in decentralizing Nigeria to allow each region to progress independently.
Omitola posed important questions, “Do these agitators truly have the support of the Yoruba people to justify seceding from Nigeria? Is there widespread approval for their message in the South-West, where a majority of Yoruba population resides?”
He remarked, “The Yoruba Nation advocates are similar to advocacy groups and NGOs in the country, lacking the necessary backing from the Yoruba populace.”
Regarding the disparities between the South-East and South-West, Omitola noted, “While the South-East faces issues of perceived marginalization, the South-West, barring the June 12 activism for presidency in 1999, has not expressed intentions to secede from Nigeria.”
He continued, “The historical stance of the Yorubas has always been focused on a decentralized system for individual regional growth, in line with the principles of Awolowo and the advocacies by Afenifere.”
Omitola concluded, “The Yoruba Nation concept has not resonated significantly with the Yoruba people. As someone well-versed in Nigerian politics, I can affirm that the current agitation in the South-West lacks the fervor witnessed in the South-East.”
Summing up his view, he said, “To the average Yoruba, the Yoruba Nation agitation appears out of place; many perceive the proponents as insincere actors deserving little attention.”