Group form alliance to seek peaceful de-amalgamation of Nigeria
By Adekunle Omobolaji
A coalition of Yoruba and Igbo self-determination organizations has announced the formation of a strategic alliance aimed at pursuing the peaceful de-amalgamation of Nigeria.
The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition to De-Amalgamate Nigeria for Security (CODES), cited worsening insecurity, deep-seated inter-ethnic mistrust, and unresolved historical grievances as the primary drivers for their demand.
In a communique issued following a world conference and international press briefing held via Zoom, the coalition declared that Nigeria’s continued existence under its current political structure has become unsustainable.
The group argued that a peaceful, negotiated self-determination process now represents the only viable path to restoring security, justice, and lasting peace in the region.
The coalition accused the Nigerian state of surviving "not on truth, justice, or consent, but on systemic denial and institutionalized falsehood."
They argued that the federal government has failed in its primary duty to protect citizens amidst widespread violence and humanitarian distress.
The communique was signed by prominent leaders from both regions. On the Yoruba side, signatories included Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of the Oduduwa (Yoruba Nation) movement; Chief Sunday Adeyemo (Sunday Igboho) of the Yoruba National Community Defence; and deputy leaders of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, Architect George Akinola and Dr. Kayode Emola.
Representing the Igbo interests were Mazi Tony Nwisi, Chairman of the Igbo Global Network–IPOB, along with Mazi Emmanuel Kanu, Mazi Ositadimma Igenu, and Prof. Chinedu Agbodike.
Addressing the international media, CODES described the alliance as historic, moral, and necessary.
The group emphasized that the movement is neither extremist nor violent, but rather a reflection of the growing frustration with political exclusion and the collapse of the security architecture.
CODES announced plans for a De-Amalgamation Congress, noting that the platform is open to all indigenous nationalities within Nigeria.
They stressed that the process would be conducted through lawful, non-violent means consistent with international standards on self-determination, including the UN Charter and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Tracing the country’s instability back to the 1914 colonial amalgamation, the coalition argued that the Nigerian state was created without the consent of its constituent peoples.
"A state founded without consent cannot indefinitely survive against consent," the communique read, warning that decades of corruption and marginalization have eroded confidence in the federal system.
The group also highlighted the prevalence of violence in the Middle Belt, South-East, and other regions, alleging state complicity or inaction regarding attacks by armed groups.
They criticized what they termed selective law enforcement, pointing to the continued pursuit and detention of self-determination advocates like Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, while violent non-state actors reportedly operate with impunity.
The coalition insisted that their demands are lawful and legitimate, calling on the international community to pay attention to their quest for a peaceful resolution to Nigeria's structural challenges.