In a bold statement that has stirred conversations across Nigeria, Sunday Igboho, a prominent Yoruba activist, has called for the separation of the country’s ethnic groups if the nation cannot function as a united entity.
Igboho, who gained widespread attention for his outspoken views on the challenges facing the Yoruba people and his controversial stance against the Nigerian government, expressed his frustrations about the current state of the nation.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Igboho proposed that the different ethnic groups—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and others—should go their separate ways if the Nigerian state continues to fail in delivering the promises of unity, peace, and prosperity.
"Yoruba, Igbo, and others should go their separate ways if Nigeria isn’t working," he declared, fueling the growing debate over the future of the country.
His statement resonates with ongoing discussions about the viability of Nigeria as a united state, especially as tensions between different ethnic groups and regions continue to rise.
The call for secession or autonomy is not new, as various movements have been advocating for a restructured Nigeria or outright separation for decades.
However, Igboho’s comments come at a time when national unity is being severely tested by issues such as insecurity, economic disparity, and political division.
The rising agitation for secession, especially in the southeastern and southwestern parts of Nigeria, has gained traction with groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Yoruba Nation movement, both of which seek independence from the Nigerian federation.
Igboho’s latest statement seems to echo the sentiments of these groups, albeit in a more direct and confrontational manner.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some Nigerians agreeing with his sentiment, while others vehemently oppose the idea of disintegration.
Supporters of Igboho’s call argue that Nigeria’s political and economic challenges are a result of an ill-fated union that has failed to address the aspirations of its various ethnic groups.
They believe that each region should have the freedom to govern itself and pursue its development without the constraints imposed by a central government.
"Each ethnic group has its own unique identity, culture, and aspirations," one supporter of Igboho remarked.
"If Nigeria cannot provide for the welfare of its citizens and protect them from the mounting threats, then it is better to go our separate ways.
This country is not working, and the sooner we accept that, the better."
In contrast, opponents of the idea argue that Nigeria, despite its challenges, still has the potential to thrive as a unified nation.
They contend that the solution to the country’s problems lies not in division but in restructuring and reform.
"Breaking up Nigeria will only create more chaos and instability," one critic pointed out.
"Yes, there are issues, but we need to focus on fixing the system, not abandoning the dream of a united Nigeria."
Igboho’s comments also come at a time when the Nigerian government is grappling with increasing violence, particularly from armed groups like Boko Haram and bandits in the north, as well as secessionist movements in the south.
The country has seen a rise in ethnoreligious tensions, with accusations of marginalization and inequality becoming more pronounced.
For many Nigerians, Igboho’s statements reflect a growing sense of frustration with a system that they believe has failed to deliver on its promises of equality and national cohesion.
Many feel that the government’s inability to address the security crisis and provide basic services has pushed them to question whether the federation can continue to function effectively.
Igboho, who has long been an advocate for the rights of the Yoruba people, rose to prominence during the recent clashes between herders and farmers in southwestern Nigeria.
He gained support for his hard stance on protecting Yoruba land and people, often criticizing the federal government for its perceived inaction in addressing the rise of criminality and insecurity.
His call for separation is also seen as a response to what he views as a lack of political will by the Nigerian government to address the issues that affect the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups.
While Igboho’s views have earned him a large following, they have also placed him at odds with the Nigerian government.
He has been labeled a separatist and a threat to national security, with some of his actions leading to clashes with law enforcement.
His advocacy for Yoruba self-determination has made him a polarizing figure, admired by many in his region but vilified by others who see him as a destabilizing force.
Igboho’s statement about the potential breakup of Nigeria, however, has brought the issue of national unity back into the spotlight.
The idea of secession or the breakup of Nigeria has been a subject of debate since the country’s independence, with regional and ethnic groups intermittently calling for either greater autonomy or full independence.
The most notable of these movements was the Biafran War in the 1960s, when the southeastern region, led by Odumegwu Ojukwu, sought to break away from Nigeria, resulting in a bloody civil war that lasted from 1967 to 1970.
Decades later, the call for Biafra’s independence continues to echo, with IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, advocating for the creation of an independent Biafran state.
In the southwest, the Yoruba Nation movement has also been gaining momentum, with some calling for the creation of an independent Yoruba republic.
Igboho’s statement comes as these movements are gaining more support, fueled by the belief that Nigeria’s political system cannot accommodate the diverse needs and aspirations of its people.
Many argue that the country’s federal structure is flawed and has led to inequality, corruption, and neglect of certain regions.
As Nigeria grapples with these pressing issues, Igboho’s call for separation has reignited the debate over the future of the nation.
The question of whether Nigeria can remain united or whether the ethnic groups should go their separate ways is one that is likely to continue to dominate public discourse for the foreseeable future.
For now, Igboho’s comments have stirred a debate that forces Nigerians to confront the reality of their nation’s future.
Whether or not the country’s ethnic groups will choose to remain together or go their separate ways remains to be seen.
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