…Says Indigenous identity must not be sacrificed for political expediency

By Olayinka Ajayi

The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, otherwise known as Think Yoruba First , TYF, has rejected the proposed federal bill by Hon. Kalu Okezie, seeking to grant indigenous rights to Nigerians who have either lived in a particular place for 10 years or have been married to an indigenous person for the same period.

In a statement, the group executives, Dr. Bukola Adeniji, Mr. Kayode Ọlọkọ, Dr. Mark Faleye, Engr. Kunle Faleti, and Mr. Bolarinwa Oladimeji, insisted that if the bill is passed into law, it would not only erode the cultural and historical foundations of indigenous peoples across Nigeria but would also be a catalyst for ethnic tensions, conflicts, and long-term instability.

The statement, while citing countries like the United States and Native Americans, Australia and Aboriginals, Canada and First Nations, and New Zealand and Māori, maintained they did not obtain their rights via residency or marriage.

While beckoning Nigeria to take heed, it insisted that “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.

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: Rwanda (1994 Genocide)—The manipulation of ethnic identity led to mass violence between the Hutu and Tutsi populations, with devastating consequences. South Sudan Conflict—Decades of imposed ethnic integrations contributed to tensions that eventually led to South Sudan’s secession. 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.

Nigeria itself has witnessed countless ethnic conflicts due to territorial and indigenous disputes. The crises in Jos, Southern Kaduna, Ife-Modakeke, and Aguleri-Umuleri and the clashes between herders and farmers across the Middle Belt all stem from disputes over land and identity. Legalizing the erasure of indigenous identity will exacerbate these conflicts, not resolve them.”

The group further called on representatives from the Southwest, South-South, North Central, Northeast, and Northwest regions to strongly oppose this bill in its entirety, saying, “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 the 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.

“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.”