Prof. Akintoye Alleges 29,000 Yoruba Killed by Herdsmen, Demands Urgent Action

Professor Banji Akintoye, the National Leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement, has alleged that approximately 29,000 Yoruba individuals have been killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen. This statement was made during his call for the South West governors and traditional rulers to declare September 23 as Yoruba Unity Day, coinciding with the anniversary celebrated in Ile Ife and Ibadan.

Akintoye, a prominent historian, highlighted the ongoing violence and atrocities against the Yoruba people, including rampant killings, rapes, and kidnappings attributed to Fulani bandits. He emphasized the urgent need for the Yoruba Nation to separate from Nigeria, asserting that it is the only viable solution to ensure the safety and sovereignty of the Yoruba people.

“The only sustainable answer to this horrible situation is to separate our Yoruba nation from Nigeria,” Akintoye stated. He advocated for the establishment of an independent country where the Yoruba can secure their land and manage their economy effectively.

He called upon the South West governors and traditional rulers to officially recognize Yoruba Unity Day as a public holiday, urging them to adopt this initiative in their councils. “Obas, the fathers of our nation, should adopt this Yoruba Unity Day in their Councils of Obas in all our Yoruba States,” he urged.

Addressing the broader implications of the current security situation, Akintoye expressed frustration over the effectiveness of Amotekun, a regional security outfit established to counter the Fulani incursions. He criticized the federal government for undermining its operations, which he believes has allowed banditry and violence to escalate in Yoruba cities.

Akintoye’s appeal for self-determination resonates with a significant portion of the Yoruba populace, as he estimates that around 80 percent of the community, both in Nigeria and the diaspora, supports the movement for separation. He underscored the dire need for collective action to protect the Yoruba identity and culture amidst increasing threats.

In closing, he pointed to the challenges faced by the Yoruba President of Nigeria, citing ongoing harassment and threats against him, which he claims further jeopardizes the security and future of the Yoruba nation.