On September 23 2024, Yoruba people from all walks of life came together to celebrate the Yoruba Unity Day, a significant occasion established five years ago by the Yoruba Self-determination Movement.
This day commemorates the historical Peace Treaty signed in 1886 by nearly all Yoruba rulers, marking the end of a century fraught with conflict. As Prof. Banji Akintoye, the National Leader of the Yoruba Self-determination Movement, declared during the celebrations in Ibadan, “We initiated this day not just to remember our past, but to forge a unified future for generations to come.”
The first celebration took place in Ibadan on September 23, 2019, with the hope that it would eventually become a widely accepted occasion among the Yoruba people. This year, as attendees gathered in Ibadan, Prof. Akintoye noted, “Happily, we are witnessing a major beginning of the fulfillment of our hope. Our people are celebrating in various places, from Ile-Ife, the ancestral city of our nation, to different venues across Ibadan, showcasing a collective spirit.”
As the festivities unfolded, Prof. Akintoye made a passionate appeal to the Yoruba community: “I urge our Obas, the fathers of our nation, to adopt this Yoruba Unity Day in their Councils and for our State Governors to recognize it in their Southwest Governors Meetings. This day should be a public holiday, reserved for the celebration of our shared heritage and aspirations.”
He emphasized the need for unity, stating, “When we celebrate Yoruba Unity Day every year, we are not just honoring a date; we are affirming the spiritual unity of our Yoruba nation as one people.” This unity, he explained, is essential for commemorating the memory of heroic figures like Aare Momoh Latoosa and Commander-in-Chief Ogedemgbe, who played pivotal roles in Yoruba history.
Despite external perceptions that the Yoruba lack unity, Prof. Akintoye asserted, “Those who claim we are divided fail to grasp the true essence of national unity. Our roots are firm; we cherish our culture, achievements, and community harmony.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Yoruba people, particularly in light of escalating violence and insecurity in Nigeria. “We cannot ignore the reality that our nation is bleeding. The daily atrocities inflicted upon our people, including killings, kidnappings, and economic decline, demand a robust response,” he lamented.
Addressing the current socio-political climate, Prof. Akintoye expressed the urgency of the Yoruba nation’s sovereignty: “The only viable solution is to separate our Yoruba nation from Nigeria and establish our own country, where we can exercise sovereignty and ensure our people’s security.” He passionately urged those hesitant about this movement to join the cause: “Now is the time for every Yoruba brother and sister to step forward and join us in this brave pursuit of a sovereign nation. It is the only honorable path we can take for the sake of our descendants.”
As the celebrations concluded, Prof. Akintoye inspired hope among his audience: “If we unite our efforts, we can peacefully and decisively achieve our goal. Soon, we shall celebrate Yoruba Unity Day in our own sovereign country. Yes, we can reach that goal. We can do it.”
This year’s Yoruba Unity Day not only celebrated historical achievements but also galvanized a movement towards a future of autonomy and self-determination for the Yoruba people.
