Aside the Biafra agitation that we are more conversant with, the agitation for the Oduduwa nation seems to be garnering momentum. Some individuals and groups in the South Western part of the country are now drumming support for Oduduwa Republic.
On 14th of April 2021, hundreds of Yoruba women from the Diaspora stormed Ooni of Ife’s palace, insisting on Yoruba Nation. According to the women, they are contended with what they have but are not happy with the situation of things in their country.
No fewer than 1,000 of them from Uruguay, Argentina, Mexico, United Kingdom, Papua Guinea, Venezuela, Spain, France and other countries, visited the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his palace to canvass for the creation of a Yoruba Nation.
The number of persons discontented with one Nigeria seems to be on the increase on a daily basis. Reasons for these are not far fetched. Insecurity, injustice, inequality, corruption, untold hardships, etc, are major factorial causes. But the question is, when the aggrieved regions secede, will that solve their problems?
Everyone is a key player when it comes to a one-and-united Nigeria but the onus lies majorily on political leaders and political office holders. There’s the need to eschew nepotism, administer Federal Character without favouritism, and also listen to the complains of aggrieved parties.
The option of secession is as a result of injustice and the feeling of being shortchanged. When all these are attended to, then there would be less chaos and agitation for a breakaway.
If the government of the day is truly determined to sustain the goal of keeping Nigeria as one as enshrined in the visions and aspirations of our founding fathers, then they need to swiftly do the needful before it is too late as a stitch in time saves nine.
- Olawale Olutope is based in Abuja. E-mail: olawaleolutope40@gmail.com