Kindly add SOJ WORLDWIDE ONLINE NEWS to your WhatsApp Groups for our daily news update with this number 08023851511
READ ALSO: JUST IN: FG Declares Two-Day Public Holidays For Eid-El-Fitr
A bill seeking to grant Indigenous status to anyone who has lived in a place for 10 years or is married and lived in a place have been rejected by a group that prided itself “Think Yoruba First.”
The bill has just passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The group under the canopy of “Think Yoruba First” led by Aare Kurunmu Kakanfo rejected the bill in all in its entirety.
In a Press Release addressed to the Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and the six geo-political zones rejected the “Proposed Federal Bill on Indigenous Rights.”
READ ALSO: FIRST Child Of Late Oyo Governor Ajimobi Dies At 42
“We write to you on behalf of Think Yoruba First Organization, a body, organization and institution committed to the protection, preservation, and promotion of Yoruba heritage, identity, and rights.
We are deeply concerned by the proposed Federal Bill by Hon. Kalu Okezie, which seeks to grant indigenous rights to Nigerians who have either lived in a particular place for ten years or have been married to an indigenous person for the same period.
This bill, if passed into law, will not only erode the cultural and historical foundations of indigenous peoples across Nigeria but will also be a dangerous catalyst for ethnic tensions, conflicts, and long-term instability.
Global Precedents Against Such Provisions
No serious nation undermines the rights of its indigenous people by arbitrarily granting indigenous status to settlers. Around the world, indigenous identity is tied to ancestry, cultural heritage, and historical connection to the land—not just residency or marriage.
Consider the following examples:
1.United States & Native Americans – Indigenous status among Native American tribes is based on strict bloodline and ancestral ties, not residency.
2.Australia & Aboriginals – The Aboriginal peoples of Australia have specific rights tied to ancestry and cultural heritage, and non-indigenous Australians, even after centuries, do not acquire those rights simply by residency or marriage.
READ ALSO: https://terryanews.com/rivers-sole-administrator-suspends-political-office-holders/
3.Canada & First Nations – Canada recognizes the unique rights of its First Nations people based on lineage and history, not based on settlement or intermarriage.
4.New Zealand & Māori – The Māori people maintain exclusive indigenous status despite other racial groups living in New Zealand for centuries.
In all these examples, the protection of indigenous rights has been crucial in preventing cultural erasure and ensuring historical continuity. Nigeria, a nation of over 250 ethnic groups, should take heed.
Historical and Contemporary Dangers of Ethnic Displacement
History has shown that forceful alteration of indigenous identity is a precursor to ethnic violence and civil unrest, especially in multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nations.
Consider these cases:
1.Rwanda (1994 Genocide) – The manipulation of ethnic identity led to mass violence between the Hutu and Tutsi populations, with devastating consequences.
2.South Sudan Conflict – Decades of imposed ethnic integrations contributed to tensions that eventually led to South Sudan’s secession.
3.Yugoslavia (Balkan Wars of the 1990s) – The forced blending of ethnic identities contributed to one of Europe’s most brutal conflicts in the 20th century.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: ANOTHER Veteran Nollywood Actress Dies
Nigeria itself has witnessed countless ethnic conflicts due to territorial and indigenous disputes.
The crises in Jos, Southern Kaduna, Ife-Modakeke, Aguleri-Umuleri, and the clashes between herders and farmers across the Middle Belt all stem from contestations over land and identity. Legalizing the erasure of indigenous identity will exacerbate these conflicts, not resolve them.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The indigenous identity of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities is a sacred heritage that must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
If this bill is allowed to pass, it will set a dangerous precedent that could lead to an irreversible distortion of Nigeria’s ethnic foundations, leading to deeper fragmentation and possible disintegration.
READ ALSO: IGP Egbetokun Decorates 20 AIGs, 19 CPs With New Ranks (SEE LIST)
We, therefore, urge all Representatives from the South West, South South, and North Central, North East and North West regions to strongly oppose this bill in its entirety.
The protection of indigenous rights is a fundamental responsibility that must not be compromised. Instead of seeking to alter indigenous identity, we call on the National Assembly to focus on demanding for Ethnolinguistic Restructuring of Nigeria for peace as advocated for by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, this is the only pathway to promote peaceful coexistence, economic empowerment, and equitable development for all Nigerians without tampering with the historical and cultural integrity of indigenous peoples.
READ ALSO: MEMORY LANE: SEE List Of 53 Deposit Money Banks Liquidated By The CBN Between 1994 And 2018
We trust that you will stand firm in defense of the people you represent.
Sincerely,
Mr. Bolarinwa Oladimeji
Dr. Bukola Adeniji
Mr. Kayode Ọlọkọ
Dr. Mark Faleye
Engr. Kunle Faleti
Think Yoruba First Organization.”
CALL 08023851511 to kick-start business relationship with us for your advert, PR, Publicity, Awareness, Interviews, Feature Stories, Press Release/Statement and so on.
Leave a Reply