A socio-political organisation, Think Yoruba First (TYF), has opposed a proposed bill in the House of Representatives that seeks to grant indigene status to Nigerians who have either lived in a particular area for 10 years or have been married to an indigenous person for the same duration.
In a statement signed by its leaders—Dr Bukola Adeniji, Mr Kayode Ọlọkọ, Dr Mark Faleye, Engr Kunle Faleti, and Mr Bolarinwa Oladimeji—TYF argued that the bill, sponsored by Hon. Kalu Okezie, threatens the cultural and historical identity of indigenous groups across Nigeria. The group warned that such a move could escalate ethnic tensions, conflicts, and long-term instability.
TYF noted that international norms do not recognise indigenous status based on residency or marriage. They referenced Native Americans in the United States, Aboriginals in Australia, and indigenous communities in Canada and New Zealand as examples.
“No serious nation undermines the rights of its indigenous people by arbitrarily granting indigenous status to settlers. Around the world, indigenous identity is tied to ancestry, cultural heritage, and historical connection to the land—not just residency or marriage.
“History has shown that forceful alteration of indigenous identity is a precursor to ethnic violence and civil unrest, especially in multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nations.
“Consider these cases: Rwanda (1994 Genocide)—The manipulation of ethnic identity led to mass violence between the Hutu and Tutsi populations, with devastating consequences. South Sudan Conflict—decades of imposed ethnic integrations contributed to tensions that eventually led to South Sudan’s secession. Yugoslavia (Balkan Wars of the 1990s)—The forced blending of ethnic identities contributed to one of Europe’s most brutal conflicts in the 20th century.
“Nigeria itself has witnessed countless ethnic conflicts due to territorial and indigenous disputes. The crises in Jos, Southern Kaduna, Ife-Modakeke, and Aguleri-Umuleri, as well as the clashes between herders and farmers across the Middle Belt, all stem from disputes over land and identity.
“Legalising the erasure of indigenous identity will exacerbate these conflicts, not resolve them,” the statement read.
TYF urged lawmakers from the South-West, South-South, North-Central, North-East, and North-West regions to reject the bill completely, stressing that safeguarding indigenous rights is a crucial responsibility.
The group called on the National Assembly to prioritise ethnolinguistic restructuring, as proposed by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, arguing that this approach would promote peaceful coexistence, economic growth, and equitable development without threatening the historical and cultural heritage of indigenous groups.
“The indigenous identity of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities is a sacred heritage that must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. If this bill is allowed to pass, it will set a dangerous precedent that could lead to an irreversible distortion of Nigeria’s ethnic foundations, leading to deeper fragmentation and possible disintegration,” TYF warned.
