The Coalition of Yoruba Groups, a united front of over 130 Pan-Yoruba organizations, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu to take immediate action to prevent the marginalisation of the Itsekiri people in the Niger Delta region. The coalition warns that unresolved issues in the region could lead to a resurgence of hostilities, threatening national stability and oil production.
In a statement released earlier this week, the coalition highlighted two critical concerns: the creation of new wards in Itsekiri land, which they claim undermines the voting strength of the Itsekiri people, and the allocation of pipeline protection contracts to groups allegedly hostile to the Itsekiri community. These actions, according to the coalition, have exacerbated tensions and could ignite unprecedented violence.
The coalition emphasized the urgency of addressing these grievances to avert a potential crisis. "The Itsekiri are being treated as underdogs in their ancestral land, facing intimidation and threats that could destabilize the region," the statement read. The group also expressed solidarity with the Itsekiri people, urging federal authorities to uphold justice and equity.
The Coalition of Yoruba Groups has been vocal about the need for peaceful coexistence and equitable treatment of all ethnic groups in Nigeria. They believe that addressing the concerns of the Itsekiri community is not only a matter of justice but also a crucial step in maintaining national security and economic stability.