Yoruba people have right to self-determination – Mahdi Shehu

Northern socio-political commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has said that the demand for a Yoruba nation is within the people’s legitimate rights as guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Shehu stated this in a post shared on X on Tuesday.

He noted that the Yoruba have an unbroken and continuous demand to go their separate way since the time of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

He argued that no one should condemn their agitation, stressing that other regions should take a similar step if they so wish.

“Nobody should begrudge the Yoruba for the continuous and unbroken demand to go their separate way, far away from ‘parasites and unschooled lots,’ since the time of Pa Awolowo,” he wrote.

According to him, Article 20 of the African Charter confers on all peoples the right to existence and the inalienable right to self-determination.

“Understanding the words ‘unquestionable’ and ‘inalienable’ is valuable,” he explained. 

“Inalienable simply means what is yours forever, which cannot be taken away from you. It is a fixed right that cannot be revoked by anybody.”

Shehu added that while the Yoruba had previously pursued self-determination through violence, their current approach appears to be through negotiation, largely because “Bola is in charge.”

“They have both political and economic powers in their hands, legs, fingers, head, neck, and shoulder,” he said.

He noted that if the Yoruba eventually succeed in their demand, they would have all they need, while others would have what they deserve ab initio.