Ibadan Politics: Why Ibos Should Not Interfere in Yorubaland

The Association of Ibo Residents in Ibadan has taken the preposterous step of organising a press release to chide former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose while simultaneously issuing an audacious warning to the Olubadan. This group has chosen to voice apprehension over political developments and remarks attributed to a man who is indigenous to this region. Ayo Fayose is a Yorùbá man who grew up in Ibadan and served as a governor in a Yorùbá state. He possesses a natural right to engage in the affairs of his own people, yet he is being labelled an outsider by people who are not indigenous to the land. Ayo Fayose could be wrong in his actions, and his statements may need to be scrutinised, but Ibo residents cannot be the ones to call him an outsider in Yorubaland or tell him not to interfere under the guise of exercising their rights. It is the height of hypocrisy for a resident group to interfere in local politics while claiming a Yorùbá leader is the one overstepping. Wisdom demands that one is careful when getting involved in political matters, especially since the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) recently confirmed that the issue between the Olubadan and Governor Seyi Makinde has been resolved. Interference in local matters that one has no ability to stop is a dangerous path, especially when the indigenous people possess their own internal conflict resolution mechanisms. The audacity of issuing a warning to the Olubadan of Ibadan represents a total disregard for the cultural importance and sanctity of a sacred traditional institution. It is a primitive mindset to settle in a territory and then attempt to dictate terms to the revered leaders of the host community. When a people move into other people's spaces, they are expected to integrate into the culture; integration requires wisdom and a deep respect for the traditions of the land rather than attempting to stretch Ibo enclaves into Yorubaland through disrespectful public chiding. Nigeria is a country of many nations, and like any functional union, inhabitants must be conscious of the boundaries of their host nations. People moving across the country need to exercise tact and stop acting as if they have more rights than the Yorùbá people in their own territory. It is entirely unacceptable for any group to come into Yorubaland to lecture our kings or interfere in our internal affairs. Politicians in Yorùbáland must also understand that what they do in the name of inclusion is being seen as weakness by those who lack respect for our boundaries. Our leaders should not be seen pandering to people who mistake our culture of inclusivity for naivety and think they can walk roughshod over how we do things, thinking that matter more than they do simply because our politicians wear their costumes to ask for votes. The Makinde administration and the people of Oyo State deserve a political environment free from undue interference by those who lack an indigenous mandate. Using a press conference to exploit the political situation for any reason whatsoever is a dangerous game that fuels unnecessary political tension. Every resident must understand that they are guests in the land and should move accordingly. There are limits and there are boundaries that will never be crossed without consequence, as Yorùbá people will not allow their politics to be hijacked by those who do not understand what basic respect and courtesy look like. #IbadanPolitics #Olubadan #SeyiMakinde #YorubaNation #OyoState #CCII #IndigenousRights