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Did Nigerians Carry Tribalism Abroad? The Newly Formed “Yoruba Party in the UK”

businesselitesafrica.com 3 days ago
Did Nigerians Carry Tribalism Abroad? The Newly Formed “Yoruba Party in the UK”

The recent formation of the “Yoruba Party in the UK” has sparked a lot of discussion among Nigerians. Olusola Oni, running under the “Yoruba Party in the U.K.,” did not succeed in the parliamentary election for Peckham. 

He finished second to last, receiving 261 votes. Miatta Nema Fahnbulleh, a Liberian-born British economist, emerged as the victor, securing 22,813 votes

In a country known for its diversity, like the UK, the creation of a party centered around a single Nigerian ethnic group has raised eyebrows. 

With various UK parties like the Labour and Co-operative Party or the Conservative and Unionist Party, each known for clear political ideologies, the Yoruba Party’s focus seems quite different, and some wonder what this means.

Critics suggest the name of the party might hint at tribalism being transported from Nigeria to the UK, as the focus appears strictly tied to the Yoruba ethnic group’s interests. This is especially provocative given that no other ethnic groups in the UK have established similar parties based on racial or tribal lines.

The reaction to the party’s performance in elections was telling. Olusola Oni, the party’s founder, didn’t win, and many online seemed pleased about this. They criticized the party for what they see as introducing unnecessary division into UK politics, where cultural diversity is usually celebrated in other forms.

This controversy taps into a larger narrative about ethnic politics in Nigeria, where tribal loyalty often influences political dynamics. The creation of the Yoruba Party in the UK seems to mirror these practices, raising concerns about the exportation of ethnic divisions to foreign lands. 

Critics draw parallels between the limited political roles of Igbos in Lagos and the aspirations of the Yoruba Party in the UK, highlighting a perceived double standard.

What this means for the future of UK politics according to Olusola Oni

Olusola Oni explains that the Yoruba Party in the UK aims to empower the Yoruba living in the UK, help them achieve their potential, and ensure their voices are heard in the political arena. 

This is similar to what other small parties, like the UK Independence Party (UKIP), have done by focusing on specific goals like sovereignty, as seen with Brexit.

Despite these intentions, the controversy surrounding the party’s name and focus reflects ongoing tensions about identity and belonging, both in Nigeria and abroad. 

The Yoruba Party’s journey highlights the delicate balance between celebrating one’s heritage and integrating into a multicultural society. The coming years will show whether such a focused approach will resonate with voters or if it will reinforce concerns about importing ethnic divisions into foreign political landscapes.

How Netizens reacted to the formation of Yoruba Party in the UK

Nigerians have taken to social media X, formerly Twitter to express their displeasure. Se some of the tweets below.

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