Akintoye advocates peaceful Yoruba, Igbo separation amid Nigeria’s challenges
By Bode Akinbode
Leader of the Oduduwa self-determination movement, Prof. Banji Akintoye, has called for a peaceful separation of Yoruba and Igbo regions from Nigeria, citing decades of humanitarian crises and unrest.
“Our people haven’t known peace since the 1914 amalgamation,” he said, describing Nigeria’s situation as a global humanitarian crisis.
Prof. Akintoye spoke at a virtual meeting in Atlanta, USA, where the Washington D.C. Resolution was adopted by the Coalition for De-Amalgamation and Security (CODES).
The resolution outlined a roadmap for self-determination, including the production of draft constitutions for the Yoruba (Oduduwa) and Igbo (Biafra) nations within 90 days.
He said the constitutions would be submitted to relevant 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 added.
“This is about justice, security, and the future of millions of indigenous people trapped in decades of neglect, corruption, and intolerance,” he concluded.
Following his remarks, other leaders expressed support and outlined reasons for pursuing self-determination.
Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, said: “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,” he said.
Dr. Kayode Emola said: “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, said: “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 would be peaceful.
“Our goal is a lawful and internationally recognised path to self-determination,” they said.
“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 worsen 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,” he said.