Yoruba Nation separatist, Sunday Adeyemo, better known as Sunday Igboho, has made a bold statement calling for the dissolution of Nigeria into separate entities. In a recent video posted online, Igboho expressed growing dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s state of affairs, pointing to escalating corruption, severe insecurity, and an ailing economy as key factors causing widespread disillusionment among Nigerians.
“I have lost count of how many Nigerians no longer want to identify with this country,” Igboho said. “We must be honest with ourselves. The state of Nigeria is not one we can be proud of anymore.”
Speaking from an airport in the United Kingdom, where he is currently based, Igboho described a chilling state of affairs in the country’s airports, criticizing the lack of security and the rampant theft that takes place in Nigerian terminals. “Even inside the airport, there is no security. They can steal your belongings inside your bag,” he lamented. “Such situations make us sad and ashamed to identify ourselves as Nigerians.”
His comments add to a growing narrative that many Nigerian citizens, particularly the youths, are increasingly dissatisfied with the state of their country. Igboho’s call for national disintegration echoes a sentiment felt by a section of the population, who see the unceasing struggles—ranging from security issues, poor governance, to economic woes—as an insurmountable barrier to national unity.
“We cannot continue to force people to remain together when everything is falling apart,” he said, highlighting that Nigeria’s unity is increasingly being questioned by its people. He suggested that the different ethnic groups should be allowed to chart their own courses to prosperity and peace, as opposed to staying in a country where they feel their needs are ignored.
While speaking on the potential transformation of the Yoruba nation, Igboho was firm in his belief that the youth, many of whom have traveled abroad and gained international exposure, are equipped to bring change and modernize the region. “Yoruba youths are educated, and they have seen the world. They have learned from the best and will bring that knowledge back home to help transform Yoruba land into a modern, prosperous society like those in Europe,” he declared.
This rhetoric, pushing for ethnic autonomy, is far from new in Nigerian politics, where regional movements have long called for secession or greater autonomy. The Yoruba Nation Movement, led by Igboho, has been one of the most prominent voices demanding the right of the Yoruba people to self-determination, and these latest remarks seem to amplify the sentiment of separatism across various ethnic lines in the country.
A Deepening Crisis: Disillusionment with the Nigerian State
Nigeria has long been grappling with multifaceted crises, ranging from widespread corruption in government to escalating violence from insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and bandits. According to recent reports, the nation’s security situation continues to worsen, with citizens feeling increasingly unsafe in their own country. Public disillusionment has spread, and the economy has stagnated, leaving many Nigerians searching for answers on how to resolve these issues.
The state of affairs has led to growing calls for political restructuring and the reconsideration of Nigeria’s federal system. Many ethnic groups have voiced their dissatisfaction with what they describe as unequal treatment and neglect from the central government. Igboho’s recent comments tap into a wider dissatisfaction among Nigerians who feel that the country’s political structure is no longer serving their interests.
Igboho has also long been vocal in his opposition to the Nigerian government, accusing it of neglecting the needs of the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups. His recent call for secession comes amid worsening relations between various ethnic groups, with many Nigerians feeling that the system is stacked against them. Igboho’s rhetoric, though controversial, finds resonance in these sentiments.
In the wake of these challenges, Nigeria has witnessed multiple agitations for independence and greater autonomy. The most famous among them is the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which advocates for the return of Biafra as a separate republic. While Igboho’s advocacy is focused on the Yoruba people, his stance aligns with a broader narrative of dissatisfaction and the desire for self-determination.
Igboho’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria is facing considerable challenges in handling its internal crises. A long-running debate regarding restructuring the country’s political system, which some argue is a source of the country’s dysfunction, continues to gain traction.
The Power of the Youth: A Vision for Change
In his appeal, Igboho emphasized the role of youth in transforming Yoruba land into a prosperous region, akin to the developed nations of Europe. “Our youths are our future. They have seen the world, they are educated, and they have what it takes to bring development to Yoruba land,” he said. Igboho’s statement reflects the belief that the younger generation holds the key to Nigeria’s potential transformation, should the country’s political and social systems be realigned.
The youth, according to Igboho, are eager to embrace modernity and innovation, having gained exposure to global best practices and developed a keen understanding of how to implement change. He has consistently pushed for the empowerment of the youth, whom he believes can reverse the stagnation that has plagued the country for decades.
However, while his statements resonate with many Yoruba youths and others dissatisfied with Nigeria’s governance, critics of Igboho’s movement argue that separating the country may worsen the political landscape and further deepen divisions.
Igboho’s push for separation may lead to both significant support and backlash, as the country continues to debate the viability of staying united or choosing a path of division. For some, his words signal hope for a new beginning, while for others, they represent the fracturing of a once-promising nation.
Calls for Dialogue and Resolution
Political analysts and observers have long argued that the growing divide between various ethnic groups in Nigeria is a direct result of poor governance and an unwillingness of the leadership to address the root causes of dissatisfaction. These issues, they contend, require open dialogue and a willingness to reform the system.
While Igboho’s call for secession remains a controversial one, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent reforms in the country’s governance, security, and economic policies. As Nigeria continues to face these mounting challenges, the question remains: Can the nation’s leaders unite the country under a shared vision, or will the calls for secession grow louder, leading to even greater division?
