According to Punch Newspaper, In light of the proposed bill by the House of Representatives to revert Nigeria to a regional system of government, Senator Femi Okurounmu, a former lawmaker, and a member of both the 2014 National Conference and the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, shared his insights on the matter. Okurounmu's perspective reflects his deep engagement with the ongoing political discourse in Nigeria. The proposal has sparked considerable debate, with opinions varying widely across different political and regional lines. Okurounmu's views are particularly significant given his extensive experience and involvement in Nigeria's political evolution.
Addressing the recent activities of Yoruba Nation agitators, Okurounmu discussed the incident where a group of these agitators invaded the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan, leading to a significant security breach. This event underscored the simmering tensions and the urgent need for a more cohesive approach to national unity and security. Okurounmu noted the seriousness of the separatist agitation and evaluated the response of the Oyo State Government to the crisis. The government's handling of the situation has been a topic of much discussion, with various stakeholders offering differing assessments of its effectiveness.
Okurounmu contextualized the agitation for a Yoruba nation as a natural consequence of the ongoing conflicts between local communities and Fulani herdsmen. He highlighted the case of Sunday Igboho, a prominent figure who initially garnered widespread support from the Yoruba community for his efforts to protect his area from these herdsmen. Igboho's subsequent arrest and transfer to Dahomey (Benin Republic) marked a turning point, revealing the complexities and challenges of sustaining such a movement. Okurounmu pointed out that while there was initial robust support for Igboho, the Yoruba people seemed unprepared for the prolonged struggle that such agitation entailed.
In conclusion, Senator Okurounmu's reflections shed light on the intricate dynamics of Nigeria's regional and ethnic politics. His commentary on both the proposed regional government system and the Yoruba Nation agitation provides a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria today. As the country navigates these contentious issues, insights from experienced political figures like Okurounmu are invaluable in shaping a more informed and balanced discourse.
He said: The agitation for a Yoruba nation was a natural follow-up. When Sunday Igboho led the fight in his area against these Fulani herdsmen, most Yoruba supported him. When he was arrested by the authorities and taken to Dahomey, most Yoruba initially supported him, but unfortunately, Yoruba people didn’t have the mind for a long fight.