Just In : South West leaders divided over Yoruba nation, restructuring
The clamour for Yoruba Nation and restructuring has reached high heavens.
The call has been persistently made by prominent elders, leaders and associations in the South West zone of the country.
They are all unanimous on the call for discontinuation of the current lopsided federalism that is being practised.
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, it appears the Yoruba Nation agitation has gradually fizzled out.
When Vanguard spoke with the proponent of the two, it was observed that there have been divergent views by the proponents.
While a larger percentage feel that restructuring of the current system of government is the only antidote to incessant killings, kidnappings and wanton destruction of lives and property, a minute percentage still maintains a no-going back posture on Yoruba nation agitation.
Groups such as the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere; Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, the Council of Yoruba Elders, CYE, Oduduwa United Peoples Association, ODUPA, Yoruba Commitment Forum expressed their views on the burning issue.
We should interrogate what’s beneficial — Afenifere
Afenifere Secretary, Chief Sola Ebiseni, in a chat with Vanguard, threw his weight behind restructuring saying it remains the way forward.
Ebiseni said: “I don’t know what you mean by which one is feasible. Of course, everything is feasible but what I think we should interrogate is what is desirable and beneficial.
“As followers of Obafemi Awolowo, he was the pioneer proponent and father of federalism as the appropriate system of government for Nigeria as a country of diverse and entrenched ethnic nationalities.
“Restructuring is the demand and agitation for a new constitution reinventing the foundational federal arrangements that worked. All these are contained in the Reports of the 2014 National Conference which we recommend as the minimum template.
“The refusal by the powers that be, particularly the Buhari administration, to heed this popular demand which has rendered Nigeria ungovernable and havens of hunger and deaths is the basis of separatist agitation by different groups and the calls for new sovereign states out of Nigeria.
“You cannot blame the people for seeking extraordinary solutions to their existential problems. The way forward is restructuring. Nigeria is ordinarily a beautiful rainbow coalition of diverse tribes and tongues.
“It must however be made to work in the interests of the constituent groups and peoples to protect its peaceful coexistence and it is an urgent matter.”
Restructuring is not disintegration — Omololu
Also, a chieftain of Afenifere, Abagun Kole Omololu, said: “Both are feasible and Afenifere is not hiding it. Nigeria was properly structured by 1960. There was healthy and developmental rivalry between the nations that make up Nigeria.
“Restructuring is not disintegration it is a rearrangement for better functionality. Let us look at the benefit of all these from empirical evidence. Unity does not necessarily mean unanimity; it can be diversity in unity.
“Restructure the police; let the states have control over their internal security through the state police. Let the state collect VAT and remit a percentage to the centre. Allow states to build their roads, federal roads should be only the motorways. States should be allowed to create their local government.
“Devolve powers on the exclusive list to the states except for immigration, customs and the armed forces. Let the CBN control the monetary policy.
“Let us think above the average and look at the potential benefits of the two propositions from successful countries that have gone through the process.”
On restructuring, we stand — Agbekoya
As for the National Publicity Secretary of Agbekoya Farmers’ Society, Chief Olatunji Bandele, who said he spoke on behalf of the President General of Agbekoya Farmers’ Association, Aare Kamarudeen Okikiola, restructuring remains the way forward.
Bandele said, “What I’m saying is that Agbekoya believes in restructuring. If we practise true federalism, the situation will be better for the component states. I am telling you the mind of the Agbekoya National Executive Council.
“We believe, as an association, that the 1999 constitution is what is creating problems for the State of Nigeria. Some are advocating for regionalism while some feel that if we practise true federalism, it will be better for Nigeria. As it is, the constitution imposed on Nigeria is more or less a unitary system where the centre is stronger than the component states.”
We prefer restructuring — CYE
Also throwing its weight behind restructuring, the Council of Yoruba Elders, CYE, said has been clamouring for restructuring, which they believe, is the best to do to get Nigeria out of the doldrums it has found itself.
Restructuring, Yoruba nation urgently required — Yoruba forum
The Convener of Yoruba Commitment Forum, Mr Tayo Onayemi, said both Yoruba Nation and regional restructuring are very plausible, but one of the two is temporarily and urgently required.
According to Onayemi, many people, for social and other exigencies do not appreciate the moment adding that it’s instructive to lay certain things bare.
He said, “Agitation for Yoruba Nation has its roots. It is sacred. If a separate but free Yoruba Nation is not here on the table, then we are untimely and palliatively calling for a restructured Nigeria.”
On his part, the founder and National President, Oduduwa United Peoples Association, ODUPA, Mr Jimoh Taofeek, said: “Restructuring simply means going back to regional government with an Independent Constitution like that of 1957 and 1959, which gave the regions certain autonomy to manage and control the affairs of their regions, without much interference from the central.
“However, don’t forget that the same regions will be remitting a certain percentage of their generated income to the Central government and as if that is not even enough, the regions will be overrun in some aspects like central police to supervise, monitor and even control base on the discretion of the central government.
”Although restructuring gives room for state police, such a policing system will not have an equal status like the central police as a case study.
“Yet, restructuring cannot stop the central government from subjugating the states, because of the enormous power of Mr. President, which will continue to overrun the National Assembly, Judiciary, and the state governors in the name of Presidential Executive Order.
“Therefore, our road to redemption in our different regions is to have a country of our own, where the intellectuals will preside over our commonwealth, and not the current system that promotes urchins above the philosopher-kings across all board.
“Without mincing words, it is better now to wake up from our illusion to the reality of the matter to properly plan to execute a total disintegration peacefully. Instead of this continuous suffering, protests, maiming, raping, kidnapping, killing, among other unrest caused in the country.
“Given the above, I believe we have passed the negotiating stage for restructuring or true federalism, but to focus on peaceful disintegration of interested regions”, Taofeek stated.
What is visible is restructuring — Afenifere spokesperson
Speaking with Vanguard, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, said: “What is visible is restructuring, because Afenifere does not believe in break up. But there’s a caveat. We are working together with the Southern, Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum;
“…we have a restructuring agenda for the four zones that is very serious, but if the Nigerian states, the Government, and the legislature, do not believe that we have the right to be governed according to our devices.
“We would still be left with the same devices to look for ourselves means of self-determination but the Afenifere believes that the founding fathers did well in putting together a true Federalist constitution and this 1999 constitution.
“If we restructure Nigeria it will be a place where everyone, every nationality would be at peace to live with its neighbour in peace and prosperity.” (Vanguard)
