Politics
A Case for Peaceful Separation: Rethinking Nigeria’s Forced Unity
A Case for Peaceful Separation: Rethinking Nigeria’s Forced Unity
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
For over a century, Nigeria has struggled to hold together the patchwork quilt of nations stitched into a single entity by British colonial interests. Despite decades of independence, national identity remains elusive. Ethnic rivalries, regional marginalization, and economic imbalances continue to tear at the fragile fabric of this artificial federation. While many still advocate unity as a moral imperative, a growing number of Nigerians—both at home and in the diaspora—are beginning to explore an alternative path: peaceful separation.
Contrary to widespread fear-mongering, separation is not synonymous with war. History is replete with examples of nations that have dissolved their unions with dignity and peace. The United States split from Britain in 1776; Belgium separated from the Netherlands in 1830; Singapore parted ways with Malaysia in 1965 over ethnic and religious tensions; and in 1993, Czechoslovakia executed the “Velvet Divorce,” birthing the Czech Republic and Slovakia without a single drop of blood.
On the African continent, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993, and South Sudan emerged from Sudan in 2011. Though not all secessions have been peaceful—Yugoslavia and parts of the former Soviet Union being cautionary tales—the possibility of a negotiated and dignified exit remains viable, especially for countries like Nigeria whose internal contradictions are too numerous and too persistent to ignore.
A Forced Union in Crisis
At the heart of Nigeria’s problem is the failure to evolve from a colonial configuration into a truly federal state. The so-called ethnic groups in Nigeria—Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Ijaw, Tiv, and others—are not mere “tribes,” as often mislabeled, but full-fledged nations in their own right. In Europe, these groups would be called what they are: distinct nations with different languages, cultures, worldviews, and aspirations.
What unites Nigeria today is not a shared vision but a centralized constitution imposed through military fiat and maintained by successive governments for political expediency. The result is an overburdened federal system where one region’s dominance is perceived—rightly or wrongly—as a source of systemic injustice. The cry for restructuring has been loud and long, but it is now giving way to a more definitive demand: peaceful separation.
Learning from the World
Across the globe, countries have restructured or separated in response to ethnic and economic realities. Norway and Sweden amicably separated in 1905. Iceland left Denmark in 1944. The Soviet Union disintegrated into multiple nations—Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, and others—based on ethnic lines. Even in modern-day Canada, Quebec retains a high level of autonomy with French as its official language, reflecting its cultural uniqueness.
Switzerland, often cited as a model multi-ethnic state, rotates its presidency annually among representatives of four major linguistic groups: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Its federation is composed of cantons, each retaining significant autonomy. Nigeria, by contrast, continues to centralize power in a federal government that is neither representative nor responsive.
The Nigerian Paradox
Some still argue that all Nigeria needs is good leadership. But that ignores the structural imbalances hardwired into the country’s political architecture. Even the most competent leader will struggle under a system that rewards ethnic hegemony and punishes regional innovation.
Take the Southeast, for example. The five states—Anambra, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu—have a combined landmass of just 29,525 km², less than that of Kogi State alone (29,833 km²). Niger State, the largest in Nigeria, is bigger than the entire Southwest minus Lagos. Yet policy frameworks continue to treat all regions as though they are equally endowed and equally represented.
The same structural flaw affects economic planning. The so-called cattle colony debate reveals how absurd Nigeria’s policymaking has become. Despite not ranking among the top 20 global cattle producers, Nigeria insists on clinging to archaic methods like open grazing—resulting in violent clashes between farmers and herders. Meanwhile, countries like India, Brazil, and Australia—world leaders in cattle and beef exports—have long adopted modern ranching techniques.
According to global data:
India has over 300 million cattle.
Brazil follows with 226 million.
The USA and EU are also in the top five, with mechanized systems that prioritize productivity and safety.
Yet, in Nigeria, the cattle business has become not just a source of conflict, but a symbol of how far behind the nation is in adopting global best practices.
Separation as Development Catalyst
Separation, if well negotiated, can usher in a new era of healthy competition among Nigeria’s regions. Singapore, after its split from Malaysia, transformed itself into one of the world’s leading economies. Bangladesh, which broke away from Pakistan in 1971, has surpassed its former counterpart in several human development indicators.
What holds Nigeria back is not a lack of human or natural resources, but the illusion of unity under a flawed structure. The political elite preach unity not out of conviction but convenience. They benefit from a system that concentrates wealth and power in the center while denying states the autonomy to thrive or fail on their own merits.
A peaceful separation could enable each region to pursue its developmental vision without interference. The North, with its vast landmass, could become a hub for ranching and renewable energy. The South could focus on industrialization and technology. The East could pursue its vision of commerce and manufacturing. Rather than clashing over a failing center, each region could chart its own path.
The Path Forward
Nigeria must confront its truths. The forced amalgamation of 1914 was never about nation-building—it was about administrative convenience for the British Empire. That colonial logic no longer serves the aspirations of the people.
What is needed now is a national conversation—not driven by fear, but by courage. A conference where all ethnic nationalities, civil society groups, youth representatives, and diaspora voices can negotiate new terms of coexistence. Whether that leads to a restructured federation or an amicable separation, the goal should be justice, peace, and prosperity.
It is not enough to quote slogans like “One Nigeria.” Unity, like marriage, must be consensual. It must be renewed with shared values, mutual respect, and equitable governance. Otherwise, it becomes a prison rather than a partnership.
As the world evolves, Nigeria must evolve too. And if evolution means reconfiguration, then so be it. Let us give peace a chance—not just by tolerating each other under duress, but by honoring each other’s right to self-determination.
Primate ELIJAH AYODELE: The Seer, And the Country That Listens
By Femi Oyewale
Ejigbo, Lagos — When Primate Babatunde Elijah Ayodele steps onto the pulpit of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church each week, he does more than preach: he convenes a national conversation. For decades, the clergy has issued blunt, often headline-grabbing prophecies about presidents, markets, and disasters — pronouncements that are dutifully copied, debated, and digested across Nigerian newsrooms, social media, and political corridors.
Primate Ayodele is best known for two things: the regular release of New Year’s and seasonal “warnings to the nation,” and a large, loyal following that amplifies those warnings into national discourse. He publishes annual prophecy booklets, holds prayer mountain conventions where journalists are invited, and maintains active social media channels that spread his messages quickly beyond his church gates. In July 2025, he launched a compendium of his prophecies titled “Warnings to the Nations,” an event covered by national outlets, which Ayodele used to restate concerns about security, governance, and international affairs.
Ayodele’s prophecies have touched on lightning-rod topics: election outcomes, the health or fate of public figures, infrastructure failures, and international crises. Nigerian and regional press have repeatedly published lists of his “fulfilled” predictions — from political upsets to tragic accidents — and his followers point to these as proof of his accuracy. Media roundups in recent years credited him with dozens of prophecies he argued had been realised in 2023 and 2024, and his annual prophetic rollouts continue to attract wide attention.
Impact beyond prediction: politics, policy, and public mood
The practical effect of Ayodele’s ministry is not limited to whether a prophecy comes to pass. In Nigeria’s politicised and religiously engaged public sphere, a prominent seer can:
• Move conversations in electoral seasons; politicians, commentators, and voters listen when he names likely winners or warns about risks to candidates, and his claims sometimes become part of campaign narratives.
• Shape popular expectations — warnings about economic hardship, insecurity, ty or public health influence how congregations and communities prepare and react.
• Exert soft pressure on leaders — high-profile admonitions directed at governors or ministers often prompt responses from the accused or their allies, creating a feedback loop between pulpit pronouncements and political actors.
Philanthropy and institution building
Ayodele’s public profile extends into philanthropy and church development. He runs INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church from Oke-Afa, Lagos, and his ministry periodically organises humanitarian outreach, scholarships, and hospital visits — activities he frames as evidence that prophetic ministry must be accompanied by concrete acts of charity. Church events such as extended “17-day appreciation” outreaches and scholarship programmes have been widely reported and help cement his appeal among congregants who value spiritual counsel paired with material support.
What makes him unique
Several features set Ayodele apart from other public religious figures in Nigeria:
1. Productivity and documentation. He releases extensive, numbered lists of prophecies and compiles them into booklets — a tactic that makes his predictions easy to track (and for supporters to tally as “fulfilled”).
2. A blend of national and international focus. His pronouncements frequently move beyond parochial concerns to name international actors and events, which broadens his media footprint.
3. Media-savvy presentation. From staged press events to active social accounts, Ayodele understands how to turn a prophecy into a viral story that will be picked up by blogs, newspapers, and TV.
The public verdict: faith, influence, and skepticism
To millions of Nigerians — and to his core following — Primate Ayodele remains a pastor-prophet whose warnings must be taken seriously. To others, he is a media personality whose relevance depends as much on spectacle and circulatory power as on supernatural insight. What is indisputable is his role in magnifying the religious dimension of national life: when he speaks, politicians, congregants, and newsrooms listen. That attention, in turn, helps determine which social and political questions become urgent in public debate.
Looking ahead
As Nigeria heads into another cycle of elections and economic challenges, Ayodele’s annual pronouncements will almost certainly return to the front pages. Whether they are read as sober warnings, political interventions, or performative theology, they will continue to shape conversations about destiny, leadership, and the kinds of risks a deeply religious nation believes it must prepare for.
Politics
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
BABATUNDE OLAOGUN STORMS LAUTECH; GIFTS DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKABLE TOOLS
In a remarkable display of commitment to academic excellence and community development, Hon. Babatunde Olaogun, a distinguished alumnus of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), has gifted the Department of Business Administration with state-of-the-art workable tools such as stationery items which includes several reams of A4 papers, detachable whiteboards. permanent markers, temporary markers among others things.
Olaogun also added that as part of his commitment to ensuring that students of the department enjoys first class academic infrastructure, a contemporary projector facility would be delivered to the department in no distant time courtesy of his humble self to further enhance ease during presentation of seminar and projects.
The donation ceremony was graced by eminent personalities at the department, including Prof. (Mrs) Ojokuku, Prof. Adegoroye and Dr. (Mrs.) Akanbi who warmly received Mr. Olaogun. The trio of the reverred academics thanked Mr. Olaogun for his commitment to good causes and urged him to continue doing even more good for the university, Ogbomoso in particular, Oyo State and the entire nation at large.
In their goodwill message, Prof. Ojokuku and Prof. Adegoroye also counseled Mr. Olaogun to stay focused and not be swayed by naysayers who may seek to tarnish his reputation. They further encouraged him to carry along, students of Public Administration from LAUTECH, with a view to a availing them practical skills and knowledge essential for their success in their future endeavors.
The Department of Business Administration is thrilled to receive this donation and looks forward to leveraging these tools to improve academic outcomes and produce highly skilled graduates.
Mr. Olaogun’s gesture is a shining example of the university’s alumni community’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of leaders.
OGUN VISIONARIES CONGRATULATE SENATOR YAYI ON BIRTHDAY.
A socio political group Ogun Visionaries For Yayi, has felicitated with her principal and Senator representing Ogun West at the red chamber, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) as he celebrates his birthday.
Solomon Yayi has been described as an illustrious Ogun Son, who is ever committed to the reformation of Ogun State and Nigeria.
According to the statement by the State Director General Hon. Odunjo issued on behalf of the group thanked Senator Yayi, for his outstanding transformation of the entire Ogun West and the State in general, his people oriented law making and contributions to the development of Ogun West , the State and Nigeria in general.
The group described Senator Yayi as a thorough bred politician, an epitome of humility, a game changer and lover of the people, while urging him to sustain his contributions to humanity.
The Visionaries for Senator Yayi noted that the Senator has brought his political experience to bear on the various constituency projects spread across the state.
The Socio Political group also lauded the technocrat-turned politician for his charming and urbane disposition to the discharge of his responsibility as a law maker representing Ogun West and as Chairman, Senate Committee on appropriation.
“Senator, Chief Solomon Olamilekan Adeola has continued to blaze the trail by providing and offering leadership at various levels of governance, the maverick Senator has continued to serve his people well without relenting”.
“He has continued to provide sound and relevant legislation at different times and we thank you for always being there for us”.
Over the years, you have carved a niche for yourself by dint of hard work and discipline, maintaining a charismatic and unblemished leadership style that has endeared you to many Ogun West residents, entire State and Nigerians in general”.
“You have exhibited absolute leadership traits of a man committed to doing things differently as it is in developed and organised climes”.
“On behalf of all of us in Visionaries for Senator Yayi, we congratulate you Our dear leader, brother and friend, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola on the occasion of your 56th birth anniversary”.
“In the past 56 years, your family and indeed, your political and associates and admirers have caused to be grateful to Almighty God for having granted you a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfillment”.
-
society5 months agoRamadan Relief: Matawalle Distributes Over ₦1 Billion to Support 2.5 Million Zamfara Residents
-
Politics2 months agoNigeria Is Not His Estate: Wike’s 2,000‑Hectare Scandal Must Shake Us Awake
-
society4 months agoBroken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers
-
society3 months agoOGUN INVESTS OVER ₦2.25 BILLION TO BOOST AQUACULTURE