In a recent statement, Yoruba rights activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, expressed that if Nigeria cannot function cohesively as a unified nation, ethnic groups such as the Yoruba and Igbo should consider separating. Igboho, known for his advocacy for the Yoruba Nation, emphasized the importance of self-determination for ethnic groups facing systemic challenges within the country.
This perspective aligns with previous actions by Igboho and other proponents of Yoruba self-determination. In October 2024, Igboho, alongside Professor Banji Akintoye, submitted a petition to the United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, advocating for the Yoruba Nation’s bid for self-determination.
The call for separation has elicited mixed reactions among various Yoruba groups. While some organizations, such as the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), have expressed disinterest in breaking up, others support the notion, citing systemic issues and the need for regional autonomy.
Igboho’s recent comments have reignited discussions about Nigeria’s unity and the viability of its federal structure. As debates continue, the call for self-determination among various ethnic groups remains a contentious issue in the nation’s political landscape.