Prof. Banji Akintoye, the national leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, has issued a stark warning regarding the violent impact of suspected Fulani bandits on the Yoruba people, claiming that approximately 29,000 lives have been lost to these attacks.
In a statement released on the anniversary of Yoruba Unity Day, Akintoye highlighted a dire situation characterized by rampant violence, including sexual assaults and kidnappings, calling for a fundamental separation of the Yoruba Nation from Nigeria.
Akintoye asserted that the only sustainable solution to these ongoing atrocities is for the Yoruba people to establish their own sovereign nation. “We need a country where we can ensure the safety of our land and people and manage our economy according to our values,” he stated.
Celebrations for Yoruba Unity Day were taking place in Ile Ife and Ibadan, but Akintoye pointed out the harsh realities faced by those in rural areas. He claimed that Fulani aggressors are actively targeting Yoruba communities, leading to widespread fear and loss. “These actions threaten the very fabric of our society, as they destroy farms and villages, and extort ransoms from families of the kidnapped.”
He urged South West governors and traditional rulers to recognize Yoruba Unity Day as a public holiday, emphasizing the need for collective action in promoting unity among the Yoruba people. “Our leaders should adopt this day in their councils and meetings,” he said.
Akintoye’s call for self-determination resonated with many, as he argued that the current state of Nigeria poses a significant threat to the Yoruba identity and existence. He reported strong support for this movement, stating that around 80% of Yoruba people, both at home and abroad, share this vision.
While discussing the regional security outfit Amotekun, Akintoye expressed disappointment over its limitations, attributing its ineffectiveness to federal government interference. “Initially, there was hope with Amotekun, but its potential has been stifled, allowing Fulani terrorism to escalate in urban areas,” he lamented.
As tensions rise, Akintoye’s call for Yoruba independence underscores a critical moment in Nigeria’s complex socio-political landscape.
