Yoruba, Igbo’ll reclaim their future from Nigeria’s failures – Prof. Banji Akintoye… Says only separation can secure peace, prosperity By Adeola Badru
The adoption of a 90 day roadmap for draft constitutions for proposed Yoruba (Oduduwa) and Igbo (Biafra) nations has reinforced fresh calls for peaceful separation, as Prof. Banji Akintoye insists only deamalgamation can guarantee peace and prosperity.
The leader of the Oduduwa (Yoruba) self-determination movement, Prof. Banji Akintoye, has called for an unprecedented peaceful separation of the Yoruba and Igbo regions from Nigeria, describing the country as a humanitarian catastrophe decades in the making.
Prof. Akintoye stated during a virtual meeting in Atlanta, USA, where the Washington D.C. Resolution was adopted under the Coalition for De-Amalgamation and Security (CODES).
“Why do we want self-determination? Because our people have not known peace since the 1914 amalgamation. The Nigerian imbroglio has gone beyond genocide. It is now a global humanitarian crisis.”
The resolution laid out a detailed roadmap for self-determination, including the production of draft constitutions for the Yoruba (Oduduwa) and Igbo (Biafra) nations within 90 days.
Prof. Akintoye emphasised that these constitutions will be formally submitted to responsible governments and international organisations, including the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and parliaments worldwide.
“We affirm our resolve to give our people prosperity and happiness in their God-given ancestral homelands, where they can pursue the good life and secure a future for their children,” he said.
“We urge all nations and global institutions to back a fair and peaceful path for the de-amalgamation of Nigeria,” Prof. Akintoye concluded.
“This is about justice, security, and the future of millions of indigenous people entrapped in decades of neglect, corruption, and intolerance”.
Following Prof. Akintoye, other leaders voiced their support and highlighted their reasons for pursuing self-determination.
Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, declared: “We have suffered decades of marginalisation and insecurity. Our people deserve a homeland where safety is guaranteed, and where our children can grow without fear of violence and deprivation.”
Architect George Akinola, deputy leader of the Yoruba self determination movement, emphasised economic empowerment: “The Nigerian state has continuously failed to provide development. De-amalgamation is the only path to secure resources, governance, and prosperity for our people.”
Dr Kayode Emola added: “Peaceful separation is not a desire for conflict but a strategic necessity. History shows that multi-ethnic states with unresolved tensions, like the former Yugoslavia, can only achieve long-term stability through equitable dissolution.”
Representing Igbo interests, Mazi Tony Nwisi, chairman of the Igbo Global Network IPOB, noted: “The world must recognise the plight of our people.“
“For decades, we have endured discrimination and attacks. Separation is a chance to reclaim dignity, culture, and security.”
Mazi Emmanuel Kanu and Mazi Ositadimma Igenu reiterated that the process will be fully peaceful: “Our goal is a lawful and internationally recognised path to self-determination.“
“We are calling on the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and other global institutions to support this historic and non-violent initiative.”
Prof. Chinedu Agbodike warned that continued neglect and insecurity would only deepen national crises: “Without clearly defined borders and governance, Nigeria will remain a haven for extremists. Peaceful de-amalgamation is the only solution to sustainable security.”
