Lekan Yusuf, IbadanĀ
The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle has expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims in the tragic stampede in some parts of Nigeria, most especially Ibadan.
Professor Banji Akintoye, speaking on behalf of the organization, emphasized the need for change in Nigeria. “We see the horrible tragedy in Ibadan and in other parts of Nigeria for what it is ā a product of the abject poverty to which Nigeria has reduced most Nigerians.”
Recall, Eniosa-Onibepe Community in Ibadan witnessed a devastating tragedy on December 18, 2024, when a charity event turned into a deadly stampede. Thirty-five young lives were said to have lost in the chaos, with more casualties reported later.
According to Prof. Akintoye, the heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the desperate situation in Nigeria, where poverty and desperation have become the norm.
“The stampede in Ibadan is not an isolated incident. Similar tragedies have occurred in other parts of Nigeria, including Abuja and Anambra State. These incidents underscore the urgent need for a solution to Nigeria’s problems. The country’s economy has collapsed, and the impact is felt deeply by most Nigerians.
“The culture of corruption in Nigeria has led to a situation where only the corrupt elite benefit, while the majority of citizens suffer. The statistics are staggering ā 64,935 Nigerians were killed, and 2,235,954 were kidnapped between May 2023 and April 2024. The insecurity, corruption, and economic collapse have created a desperate situation, where citizens are forced to stampede for food gifts”.
He stated that Nigeria’s political leaders have failed to address the country’s problems, instead choosing to maintain the status quo and continue to benefit from the corrupt system.
“This resistance to change is not only misguided but also dangerous. The breaking up of Nigeria is inevitable, and it is crucial that it happens peacefully.”
The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle therefore called for a peaceful dissolution of Nigeria, noting that allowing the various ethnic groups to develop their economies and minister to the needs of their citizens. “This is the only way to ensure a prosperous and peaceful future for all Nigerians.”
He added, “The time for change is now. Nigerians must demand an end to the corrupt system and a peaceful dissolution of the country. The lives lost in the Ibadan stampede and other similar incidents must not be in vain. It is time for courageous change and courageous leaders to make that change happen.
“The Nigerian people have a duty to intensify their demand for change. The current situation is unsustainable, and the consequences of inaction will be catastrophic. The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle is committed to leading the charge for change and ensuring that Nigeria is dissolved peacefully.
“As the Nigerian people embark on this journey of change, they must remember the lives lost in the Ibadan stampede and other similar incidents. The demand for change is not just about politics; it is about ensuring that Nigerians are able to live dignified lives, free from poverty and desperation.
“The future of Nigeria hangs in the balance. The choice is clear ā continue down the path of corruption and destruction or embark on a journey of peaceful change and dissolution. The Nigerian people must choose the latter, and they must choose it now.
“In conclusion, the tragic stampede in Ibadan is a wake-up call for Nigerians to demand change. The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle is committed to leading the charge for peaceful change and dissolution. Together, Nigerians can create a brighter future, free from poverty, desperation and corruption.”
