Prof Akintoye: Yoruba Nation Agitation Has Moved Beyond Restructuring, Regionalism

The leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Professor Adebanji Akintoye, has declared that the Yoruba Nation aspiration has moved beyond calls for restructuring or a return to Nigeria’s former regional system.

Akintoye made the position known during a Yoruba Nation town hall meeting held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, under the theme, “The Realities of Nigeria: Any Hope for the Yoruba Nation?”

The renowned historian and author reflected on Nigeria’s political history, particularly the First Republic, arguing that the political arrangements of the past could not adequately address what he described as the present aspirations of the Yoruba people.

According to Akintoye, the Yoruba people once operated within a regional structure before the political arrangements of the First Republic were altered. He argued that returning to the former regional arrangement would not satisfy the current demand for self-determination.

The Yoruba Nation leader maintained that the movement’s objective is not simply the creation of another region within Nigeria but the establishment of an independent Yoruba homeland.

Akintoye: Restructuring Not Enough

Reacting to discussions surrounding possible restructuring of the Nigerian federation, including proposals for a six-region or six-unit arrangement, Akintoye said such an arrangement would not meet the aspirations of the Yoruba Nation movement.

He stressed that the movement seeks what he described as the right of the Yoruba people to determine their political, economic, social and cultural future.

The professor also reflected on the political developments surrounding the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the First Republic, arguing that colonial-era political calculations and subsequent developments contributed to the weakening of the regional political structure.

Akintoye, who has written extensively on Yoruba history and politics, said historical experiences had shaped the present demand for greater political self-determination among the Yoruba people.

‘Yoruba Nation Stronger Than Before’

On whether the Yoruba Nation project remains achievable, Akintoye expressed confidence in the continued strength of the movement.

He stated that the Yoruba Nation aspiration is stronger today than it has been in previous years, while stressing that the movement is not seeking confrontation with other ethnic or political groups.

According to him, the central objective is for the Yoruba people to determine their own future and pursue their political and socio-economic aspirations outside Nigeria.

He attributed the growing awareness among Yoruba people partly to developments that, in his view, have heightened concerns about security, land, political power and the future of Yoruba communities.

Call for Greater Support for Yoruba Security

Akintoye also commended Yoruba traditional rulers whom he said were increasingly showing interest in issues affecting the Yoruba people.

Particular recognition was given to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, for his support for the Yoruba cause and for contributions to the Iru Ekun security initiative.

The statement referenced the Ooni’s reported donation of a Toyota Hilux vehicle and ₦100 million to support the security outfit’s activities.

Akintoye said such support demonstrated what he described as an increasing involvement of traditional institutions in matters concerning the protection and welfare of Yoruba communities.

Historical and Security Concerns

During the town hall, Akintoye also discussed historical developments involving the expansion of the Sokoto Caliphate and conflicts involving Yoruba territories in the 19th century.

He referenced the defeat of Sokoto Caliphate forces by Oyo/Ibadan forces at Osogbo in 1840, presenting the episode as an important historical moment in the resistance to expansion into Yoruba territories.

He further expressed concerns about contemporary insecurity, including kidnapping, terrorism and attacks attributed to armed groups operating in parts of the country.

Akintoye linked these developments to what he described as renewed attempts at territorial expansion and domination, while also raising concerns about the activities of armed herders and insurgent groups.

Prof. Salako: Yoruba Must Determine Their Future

Another speaker at the town hall, Professor Solomon Salako, drew attention to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Salako argued that the declaration recognises the rights of indigenous peoples to determine their political status and pursue their economic, social and cultural development.

He maintained that these principles provide a basis for discussions around the political aspirations of distinct peoples and communities.

The academic also criticised the legitimacy of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), particularly the opening phrase, “We the People,” arguing that the document was not directly created through a process in which the Nigerian people collectively exercised constituent authority.

According to Salako, the political structure established under the constitution is facing serious challenges, which he said are increasingly visible through the divisions and tensions across the country.

A Continuing Debate on Nigeria’s Future

The town hall brought together Yoruba elders, youths and participants from Nigeria and the diaspora to discuss the future of the Yoruba people and the broader political direction of Nigeria.

The discussions highlighted competing perspectives on Nigeria’s future, including restructuring, regional autonomy and self-determination.

For Akintoye and supporters of the Yoruba Nation movement, however, the current demand has moved beyond the restoration of Nigeria’s former regional structure. Their position, as expressed at the meeting, is that the Yoruba people should ultimately have the opportunity to determine their own political future.

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