What I hear from home constantly now is this: ‘kile nse?’ What are you doing?
 
My response: ‘kila lese?’ What can we do? Collectively. 

Fortunately, three game-changing events have occurred in Yorubaland in the last few months:
1.     The court challenge to stop the elections in Ekiti and Osun States
2.     The 5-million man Ominira referendum – now completed
3.     The Igboho court case victory at the Ibadan Federal High Court.
 
So, what is possible to do with these events: ‘kilo se ese’?

'Bawo lase maase?' How are we going to do it?

1.     We must make clear to the Nigeria government that we shall pursue the Ekiti/Osun case to the highest level and for as long as it took. If we are not satisfied with the handling of the case by the Nigeria judiciary; this is a human rights case, we take it to the ECOWAS Court and to the African Human Rights Court.
 
This is a public interest case that must not be abandoned.  All Yoruba people and organisations should support it. Remember if we win, Nigeria stands dissolved.
 
INEC has finally woken up to the reality that the court case is a significant challenge to the 1999 constitution and to the integrity of Nigeria. INEC has indicated to the Osogbo Federal High Court that they wish to participate in the court case. They have submitted their response to the case. Our lawyer is dealing with it, and we shall know much more on June 2.
 
2.     The Ominira referendum has reached 5 million signatures. I understand that it is being submitted to the UN. I’m not sure of the details.
 
But, we should not rely on the UN. Their track record on self-determination is not good. East Timor – got self-determination but is now effectively a UN colony. South Sudan – left to suffer with no genuine support. Western Sahara – 30 years of trying, still no self-determination.
 
5 million signatures by the Ominira petition is one of the greatest achievements of man! The next task is not to find faults, as some Yoruba elites are trying to do, but to capitalise on it and declare the Yoruba Nation. This is time for bravery not cowardice! Let’s go it alone!
 
5 million signatures in the Ominira petition means that the Yoruba have spoken. The Oba, as the traditional representatives of the Yoruba, must immediately meet in Ibadan to proclaim the voice of the people and declare the Yoruba Nation. No reason to wait! 
 
We could limit the number of Oba involved. According to Rev Bowen writing in 1858, 11 Yoruba Kingdoms were known to be prominent at that time: Iketu, Eko, Egba, Ijebu, Ijesa, Efon, Ilorin, Ibadan, Ife, Oyo and Ogbomoso. The Alaafin is diseased which leaves 10 Oba to form the committee. In addition to the declaration of independence, the committee of Oba should appoint an interim administrator for the new Yoruba Nation.
 
On the day of the committee meeting, we should aim to have a million people rally fanning out from the steps of the House of Chiefs bringing the whole of Ibadan to a complete standstill.
 
3.     Last September, the Ibadan Federal High court ruled that agitation for self-determination is lawful in Nigeria. The Federal government has not appealed. It is probably too late now for them to appeal.
 
The significance of this court case is not truly appreciated. The legal situation is unique. A Nigerian court has ruled that agitation for secession is lawful in Nigeria.
 
Agitation does not have to stop at mega rallies or press appearances. Civil disobedience can be agitation for self-determination. And it can be targeted without hurting the common man. The main income of the Federal government comes via Lagos – ports and airport. The workers should shut these down indefinitely, and demand the cancellation of the 2023 elections as a first step. This is a time that such civil disobedience will hit the politicians very hard.
 
INEC workers in the Yoruba States too should down tools. The politicians cannot hold elections without you.
 
The transition
Transition from the dysfunctional Nigeria to the new Yoruba Nation must be properly managed. The Oba committee must therefore announce the next steps – the appointment of an Interim Administrator and his/her terms of reference. Yes, a woman must also be considered for this post.
 
I will suggest the following terms of reference:
a.     Proclaim the external boundaries of the Yoruba Nation – those who wish to opt out can do so later.
b.     Raised a militia (from Amotekun, Agbekoya etc) to police and secure the external and internal borders.
c.     Proclaim a Yoruba Central Bank and change of currency.
d.     Assemble a Convention to hear and decide on proposals from individual and groups on the constitution to be adopted – final choice to be the subject of a referendum.