“A nation that forgets its past has already mortgaged its future.” — Dr. Adebanji Ogunlana, historian and cultural strategist
Across Yorubaland—from the thick forests of Ekiti to the bustling markets of Ibadan—an uneasy silence hangs over the land. But underneath that silence, there is growing alarm. A new kind of warfare is afoot—stealthy, ideological, and territorial. Unlike the overt colonization of the past, today’s threat creeps in through unauthorised settlements, quiet demographic shifts, and calculated cultural infiltration. At stake is nothing less than the preservation of the Yoruba identity, territory, and future.
The Warning We Refused to Heed: Ilorin as Case Study
History offers Yoruba people a painful lesson—the fall of Ilorin. What began as a friendship between Afonja, the Yoruba general, and Alimi, the Fulani cleric, ended in betrayal. By 1823, Ilorin, once a vibrant Yoruba stronghold under Oyo’s influence, fell to Fulani control, absorbed into the Sokoto Caliphate. Today, Ilorin is ruled by an Emir, not an Oba, and the Yoruba heritage of the city has been gradually eroded.
This historical blueprint is being replicated silently, not with spears and guns, but with cattle routes, coordinated land acquisition, and unchecked migration—backed by ideology and long-term intent.
Facts and Figures: What the Data Shows
According to the Nigerian Population Commission (2022), over 2 million internal migrants from the North-West and North-East now reside across Lagos, Oyo, Osun, and Ondo States—many in unregulated settlements near forests, farmlands, and critical infrastructure corridors.
South-West Nigeria contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP, yet control of its lands is slowly slipping into the hands of non-indigenous actors through informal occupation, unauthorised expansion, and exploitative land transactions.
In Ekiti and Ogun, there have been over 65 reported cases of farm invasions, assaults on local farmers, and illegal settlements by armed herders or foreign squatters between 2021 and 2024.
Comparative Insight: The Hausa-Fulani Strategic Playbook
Across history, the Hausa-Fulani ruling class have succeeded through a combination of religious legitimacy, demographic expansion, and strategic alliances. The Emirate system, imposed across conquered territories, often displaced indigenous rulers while consolidating centralized control from Sokoto.
This same model—seen in Ilorin, Zaria, Keffi, and Lokoja—relies not only on conquest but co-opting local elites, implanting settlers, and eventually altering the political and cultural landscape.
Yet, while the Hausa-Fulani have a structured model of defensive identity preservation and territorial consolidation, the Yoruba leadership is plagued by fragmentation, silence, and an overreliance on individualism over collective security.
What Leadership Has Failed to Do
There have been closed-door meetings, murmurs of concern, and occasional symbolic statements—but no concrete regional security blueprint. Despite the existence of Amotekun, coordination across the six South-West states remains weak. No public declarations. No state-wide alert systems. No grassroots mobilisation.
The people feel abandoned. As one observer put it:
“Our kings wear crowns, but the land groans. Our politicians win elections, but our forests are overrun.”
The Yoruba Advantage—If It Awakens
The Yoruba are not powerless. With a history rooted in sophisticated city-states, advanced diplomacy, and communal justice systems, they have long shown capacity for self-governance. The ancient Oyo Empire managed multi-state alliances, had a standing army, and preserved territorial integrity for centuries.
Today, Yorubaland boasts:
The highest literacy rate in Nigeria (above 85% in urban areas).
A robust media, educated youth, and powerful diasporic communities.
A tradition of resistance and self-determination—from Bode Thomas to Obafemi Awolowo, and now to grassroots voices rising anew.
But all these mean nothing without collective awakening.
The Legal Right to Defend
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to private property, self-defense, and community protection. Under Section 33 (1), every citizen has a right to life and the lawful defense of it. Under the Land Use Act, governors hold land in trust for the people—not for outsiders seeking conquest by settlement.
This is not about hatred. It is about survival, dignity, and sovereignty.
Conclusion: Let the People Rise
In the absence of leadership, the people must become the protectors. Let each town set up land vigilance councils, let traditional rulers coordinate community watch networks, and let legal professionals begin mapping land encroachments and preparing defenses. Every Yoruba youth must now see themselves as the frontline guardian of their ancestral inheritance.
“When leaders slumber, the people must awaken. Our heritage is not for sale, not for conquest, and not for silence.”
— Dr. G. Fraser, MFR, Indigenous Rights Advocate
Now is the time to bell the cat—not with hate, but with vigilance, unity, and unyielding love for the land of our forefathers. Let it be you. Let it be me.
Headlinenews.news Special report
COMMENTS
” Who Will Bell the Cat? A Call to Defend Yorubaland from Silent Encroachment”. This goes without saying. Different socio- cultural groups are springing up now with this objective. We have started. We would do all possible to put political and cultural pressure as required. – Omoluabi Renewal Forum.
” Yorubaland Under Siege: When Leaders Fail, the People Must Rise” True. I am glad the LG Chairmen are all Yorubas. Only Yorubas must contest any elective position in yorubaland from now. That is point one. No non- yoruba can own land or property. Any land or property purchased so far must be leasehold for only 10 or 15 years. They can renew the lease every ten years. They must not own. They cannot vote in yorubaland. All companies operating in yorubaland must employ 70% Yorubas in the companies. We need these from the Governor and Obasa immediately. We know Sanwo-Olu is very very close with an Ibo girl but this is a test which he must pass otherwise, he will lose the trust of every yoruba person in Lagos. –
” Ilorin Was the First Warning—Will We Let History Repeat Itself?”. Never. History will never repeat itself by God’s grace. We will not disappoint our ancestors by being proactive so that Yorubaland will be protected always. Everybody must do the needful in every sector to ensure we protect our land. The House of Assembly and Governor should support this cause too. It’s important that they use political power to ensure our cultural integrity is protected. Dr. Adeoye.
” Ancestral Lands at Risk: The Unspoken War for Yorubaland” Only a bastard will not fight this war. We must all prepare for anvy encounter in order to succeed in this war. All yoruba men who have compromised themselves with Ibo ladies and vice versa should make up their minds to defend yorubaland at any cost and forget their spouses. This is war, so let us be ready. – Traditional Ruler.
” Encroachment by Strategy: The Quiet Battle for Yoruba Territory” I like this article, and I am now inspired to join any group to preserve Yoruba cultural identity. Irebami Ifatunmbi
“From Afonja to Amotekun: Reclaiming the Yoruba Right to Defend” We are ready and will start now to defend our territory. It’s time now. We are ready. Amotekun Commander.
“Crown Without Courage: Leadership Failure in the Face of Invasion.” Most unfortunate situation. Yorubas are known for their courage, so it’s time they stand up to the encroachment of their territory. Cultural identity is very important for the preservation of any culture. Dr. Mohammed
” Who Speaks for the People? A Call to Action Across Yorubaland”. We must mobilize now and make sure we start to protect our people & territory. Our destiny is in our hands, so we should move. The House of Assembly has a role to play so that the necessary bills can be passed to protect yorubaland and indigenes. – Legal Luminary.
” Heritage or betrayal? The Future of Yorubaland Depends on Us” This is a very important point, and this article is on point. We must wake up from slumber and start to act from now. – Retired Army General.
” Land, Legacy, and Leadership: The Fight to Preserve Yoruba identity.” True. It’s about time now. Every yoruba person much Rise and do all they can to protect the cultural identity of the Yorubas. Prof. Olawale.
