A Plea for Unity and Focus: Yoruba People and the Call for Restructuring
By I am deeply concerned that my Yoruba people seem to be gearing up for conflict over the ongoing proposal for Restructuring or Regionalism. I urge my people to refrain from such conflict. It is entirely unnecessary.
Let us remember that our demands for Restructuring or a return to the regional structure of the 1950s have been ongoing for many decades. This is not a new issue. Although it is a reasonable demand, we have never made significant progress because the Fulani political elite are resolutely opposed to it. Given their desperation today, their opposition has only grown stronger.
No elderly politically notable Yoruba man has ever failed to raise his voice in demand of Restructuring or Regionalism. While we may not abandon this cause, we should temper our expectations. Above all, we must avoid dividing into warring factions over it. It is not worth such a serious national crisis. I urge all parties among us to put away their swords and come together.
Instead of engaging in a meaningless and pointless conflict, let us channel our energy into advancing our Self-determination Struggle, as we have done over the past four years. Those of us involved in awareness campaigns, praying for divine support, organizing and holding meetings, speaking out on social media, or presenting our Yoruba cause to foreign governments and dignitaries should intensify our efforts. Our goal is to free our splendid Yoruba Nation from the chaos, corruption, and poverty that characterize Nigeria—a country increasingly despised and rejected worldwide. We must not waste time or resources fighting over Nigeria’s internal politics. Our chances of achieving freedom for our nation are improving. A great destiny beckons us. That is where our focus should lie.
Please, do not fight over Restructuring. Even in the unlikely event that Restructuring occurs, it will not provide our Yoruba nation with a significant improvement. We will still need to continue our fight for Self-determination and pray for the collapse of Nigeria’s resistance to our cause. Meanwhile, we will remain co-citizens with the Fulani in Nigeria, and they will still have the constitutional right to enter our homeland at will to kill, maim, rape, destroy, and kidnap. Even if we regain our Region, there is always the risk that a Northern military officer could stage a coup and strip it away from us in an instant.
Let us keep up our Self-determination Struggle with renewed vigor. Nigeria is manifestly weakening and sinking. This is no time to fight among ourselves and weaken our resolve. It is a time to unite, hold hands, and push down the obstacles in our way.
GOD BLESS THE YORUBA NATION
