YORUBA REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT MAJORITY AS INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN 8 STATES IN NIGERIA, NAMELY:
- Lagos state
- Oyo state
- Ondo state
- Ekiti state
- Osun state
- Ogun state
- Kwara state
- Kogi state
The inclusion of Kogi state in this list is due to its foundation on three key ethnic groups, namely:
- Ebira
- Igala
- Yorubas (Okun, Oworo, and Ogori-Magongo).
Yorubas make up over 30 percent of the population in Kogi state, with these three ethnic blocs serving as the primary power structures, similar to the concept of WAZOBIAs in the state. Yorubas are predominant in 7 out of the 21 local governments in Kogi state, accounting for one-third of the region.
Furthermore, Yorubas are also present in two other states in Nigeria, namely:
- Delta state
- Edo state
In Delta state, the Itsekiris and Olukumis are prominent. The Itsekiris are concentrated in approximately 5 local governments, with a significant presence in Warri South, Warri Southwest, and Warri North. It is worth noting that there are similarities between the Itsekiris and Ilajes, as they share the same dialect, cuisine, and way of life, all falling under the Yoruba ethnicity.
Yorubas are spread across 10 states in Nigeria, with a strong majority in 8 of these states. This exemplifies the essence of Yoruba Geopolitics, emphasizing the importance of ethnopolitics over Religious or Political affiliations. It is crucial for the Yoruba people to prioritize their ethnic identity for survival and unity, as diverging from this path may lead to internal conflicts and external threats.
In conclusion, the Yoruba identity serves as a unifying force for the people, regardless of specific subgroup distinctions. Embracing the Yoruba heritage is essential for safeguarding the collective interests and future of the community.
