By Peter Dansu A Yoruba socio-political group, Think Yoruba First , has responded firmly to criticisms by Ohanaeze Ndigbo over the recent ...
By Peter Dansu
A Yoruba socio-political group, Think Yoruba First, has responded firmly to criticisms by Ohanaeze Ndigbo over the recent renaming of some streets in Lagos to reflect Yoruba heritage.
In a statement issued by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Ogbeni Oluwole Lewis, the group said the Yoruba people would not allow non-indigenes to dictate how things are done in their own land.
“We will not outsource our identity, birthright or decisions to anyone, no matter how loudly they protest,” Lewis said. “The decision to rename streets in Lagos is final and not up for debate.”
He made it clear that Lagos is part of Yorubaland and that naming streets is a cultural and historical matter that only the Yoruba can decide.
“All over the world, settlers respect the customs and decisions of their host communities,” he added. “If anyone feels uncomfortable with decisions made by the Yoruba people in their own land, they are free to relocate. The Constitution permits that.”
The group emphasized that Yoruba people have every right to name places in their territory to reflect their history and culture, adding that this is not subject to approval from any non-indigenous group.
“More of these changes are coming,” Lewis warned. “We are making sure our environment reflects who we are as a people. That’s non-negotiable.”
He concluded by saying that there is no need for further argument on the matter.
“We don’t owe anyone a debate over our identity or decisions taken within Yorubaland. Once we start taking instructions from outsiders, we stop being who we are,” he said.
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