Why Igbo Unity Should Be Decided by Igbo Communities

No reasonable Yoruba person should oppose the unity of Igbo-speaking people. The same should apply to the unity and prosperity of Ijaw, Hausa and other Nigerian groups. Yoruba history shows why this should be approached carefully. Even at the height of Ibadan influence, different communities largely managed their own affairs while traditional authorities handled local disputes and taxation. Yoruba-speaking peoples also have distinct histories, traditions and systems of leadership. No single Yoruba king can decide every issue for all Yoruba people today. In the same way, outsiders should not dictate how Igbo communities align in any restructuring or referendum. The views of traditional landowners and recognised local communities must be acknowledged. If some communities have concerns about autonomy, a proposed constitution should address them through meaningful self-government, including state policing. Every community should be free to make its choice without outsiders turning the issue into ethnic conflict.

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