— Demand “Oodua Republic”
A powerful Yoruba socio-political group, the Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM), has escalated its campaign for complete Yoruba self-rule, warning that Nigeria’s system is crumbling.
In a fiery statement released on its 26th anniversary, the movement declared that its ultimate goal is nothing less than the establishment of a sovereign Oodua Republic, citing what it calls deep-rooted political injustice and systemic oppression.
At the same time, YOREM strongly condemned the life imprisonment of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, calling the sentence “blatantly political, discriminatory, and unjust.”
According to the group’s coordinator, Comrade Wale Balogun, the Nigerian state has failed to correct long-standing imbalances that continue to marginalize the Yoruba people. “For 26 years, we have labored for justice,” YOREM said, “but the so-called federation is only a pseudo-union that exploits our people while burying our voices.”
YOREM added that the country’s economic and security crises have only worsened over time — conditions that they say justify their demand for a minimum of autonomy, and, if nothing changes, full secession.
The statement didn’t just frame their struggle in ethnic or regional terms. YOREM linked Kanu’s sentencing to a broader “double standard” in how the Nigerian government treats ethnic movements: “There is a disturbing contrast in how the state treats different agitations — harsh on Biafra, lenient on others — this reinforces deep suspicion of ethnic bias.”
In a bold appeal, YOREM called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider Kanu’s case. They urged the administration to explore political options, including a pardon, to restore trust and possibly head off national instability.
“Our minimum demand is Yoruba autonomy. Our ultimate aspiration is Oodua Republic — if Nigeria continues its path of injustice.”
Despite marking an anniversary, YOREM said it will not celebrate — citing ongoing suffering in Yorubaland due to neglect, displacement, poverty, and insecurity. Their fight, they insisted, remains anchored in liberation, justice, and the right to self-determination.