In a decisive stance on identity and security, former presidential candidate Princess Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has backed the Yoruba Union’s demand to reclassify Kwara and Kogi West as Yoruba territories, moving them away from the northern designation.
This development comes on the heels of a statement issued by the Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, which emphasized that Kwara South, Kwara Central, and Kogi West are predominantly Yoruba-speaking regions with deep cultural and ancestral ties to the Yoruba nation. Categorizing them as “northern states” not only undermines their identity but also exposes them to systemic marginalization.
The Imperative for Reclassification:
The Yoruba Union’s statement highlighted several key points:
– Historical and Linguistic Ties: Kwara and Kogi West are historically and linguistically Yoruba, with their people sharing cultural and ancestral ties to the Yoruba nation.
– Insecurity and Violence: The regions are facing escalating insecurity, with Fulani herders allegedly responsible for killings, kidnappings, and violent land grabs. Over 10 Yoruba vigilantes and forest guards were killed in Kwara South recently.
– Arming of Miyetti Allah Members: The federal government has been accused of arming Miyetti Allah members, who have been implicated in attacks on Yoruba people, further exacerbating the security situation.
On the imperative of re-classifying Kwara and Kogi West as Yoruba Territories, Adesanya-Davies said, “The recent call by the Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, to remove Kwara State and parts of Kogi State from the classification as “northern states” and reclassify them as Yoruba territories, has ignited a crucial conversation about identity, security, and systemic marginalization.”
“This plea, I support underscores the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to exercise presidential authority to formally correct this historic anomaly if he really believes in his acclaimed concept of “Away lo kan,” where is GEJ 2014 NATIONAL CONFAB REPORT? The time for the restructuring is Now or Never!”
Kwara South, Kwara Central, and Kogi West are predominantly Yoruba-speaking regions with deep cultural and ancestral ties to the Yoruba nation. The classification of these regions as “northern states” undermines their identity and exposes them to systemic marginalization. It is a deliberate act of political and cultural misrepresentation that has severe consequences for the people of these regions.
The escalating insecurity in the region has further exacerbated the situation. Fulani herders, operating under the guise of cattle rearing, have been responsible for killings, kidnappings, and violent land grabs. The recent attack in Kwara South, which resulted in the deaths of over 10 Yoruba vigilantes and forest guards, is a stark reminder of the existential threat faced by the Yoruba people in these regions. The federal government’s role in arming these individuals has only added fuel to the fire.
The Yoruba Union has accused the federal government of complicity in the violence and marginalization of the Yoruba people. The group has warned that President Tinubu would be judged harshly by history if he fails to act decisively to protect the Yoruba people in Kwara and Kogi West. The time for inaction is over; the time for decisive action is now.
The reclassification of Kwara and Kogi West as Yoruba territories is not just a matter of identity; it is a matter of survival. The Yoruba people in these regions need to be recognized and protected. They need to be able to live in their ancestral lands without fear of violence and marginalization. The Nigerian government must take immediate action to address the security situation and ensure the protection of Yoruba lives and property.
The Yoruba Union’s call to action is not just a call to the government; it is also a call to the Yoruba people themselves. The group has appealed to Yoruba communities at home and in the diaspora to unite in providing humanitarian and logistical support to local vigilante groups across Yoruba land. This is a crucial step towards ensuring the survival and prosperity of the Yoruba people in these regions.
In conclusion, the reclassification of Kwara and Kogi West as Yoruba territories is a necessary step towards addressing the identity crisis and insecurity in these regions. It is a call for recognition, protection, and survival. The Nigerian government must take immediate action to address the situation and ensure the protection of Yoruba lives and property. The Yoruba people must also unite in support of their own, and work towards a brighter future for themselves and their children.
As a call to action, Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies’ support for the reclassification effort underscores the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action. The Yoruba Union has warned that failure to act would be seen as complicity, with severe consequences for the Yoruba people in these regions. As the situation continues to unfold, it is imperative that the Nigerian government prioritizes the safety and dignity of all citizens, particularly in regions facing existential threats.
Signed
Nuhu Agum, SSA, PMACO
For Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate
