According to Punch Newspaper, In a recent discussion, Senator Femi Okurounmu, a former lawmaker and member of both the 2014 National Conference and the Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere, offered his perspective on a proposed bill by the House of Representatives to revert Nigeria to a regional system of government. The bill aims to restructure the current federal system, a move that has sparked diverse opinions across the nation. Senator Okurounmu, known for his advocacy for Yoruba rights and regional autonomy, highlighted the significance of this proposal in the context of Nigeria’s ongoing governance challenges.
Senator Okurounmu emphasized that the agitation for a regional government is rooted in historical and contemporary issues affecting the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups. He pointed out that the centralization of power in Abuja has often marginalized various regions, stifling their development and cultural identity. By returning to a regional system, he argued, Nigeria could foster a more balanced and equitable distribution of resources, allowing each region to govern itself more effectively and cater to its unique needs.
Reflecting on a recent incident involving Yoruba Nation agitators in Oyo State, Senator Okurounmu addressed the broader context of separatist movements in Nigeria. He noted that the invasion of the Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan by these agitators was a manifestation of deep-seated frustrations. According to Okurounmu, the agitation is a natural response to perceived injustices, including persecution by Fulani herdsmen and other security threats. He criticized the federal government's handling of these issues, which he believes has exacerbated tensions and fueled the desire for regional autonomy.
Regarding the Oyo State Government’s response to the incident, Senator Okurounmu expressed mixed feelings. While acknowledging the challenges faced by state authorities in maintaining law and order, he urged for a more compassionate and understanding approach to address the underlying grievances driving such agitations. He stressed the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving these conflicts, advocating for measures that address the root causes rather than merely suppressing the symptoms of discontent.
He said: The agitation for a Yoruba nation is natural, particularly given the various kinds of persecution of the Yoruba people by Fulani herdsmen and the other terrorists, and the attempts of Fulani to occupy Yorubaland, how they were displacing our farmers, destroying our crops, attacking Yoruba villages, even attacking chiefs and Obas.