Former Presidential Candidate Backs Reclassification of Kwara and Kogi West as Yoruba Territories

In a strong political statement that could reshape Nigeria’s geopolitical discourse, former presidential candidate Princess Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies has endorsed a call by the Yoruba Union, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, to reclassify Kwara South, Kwara Central, and Kogi West as Yoruba territories rather than “northern states.”

The call, which stems from what the Union describes as “systemic marginalization and existential threats” to the Yoruba people in these areas, argues that the current classification undermines the identity, culture, and security of the regions’ predominantly Yoruba-speaking populations.

“Correct a Historic Anomaly” – Adesanya-Davies Urges Tinubu

Prof. Adesanya-Davies described the demand as a crucial step toward addressing what she called “a historic anomaly,” and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act decisively in reclassifying the regions.

“This plea, I support, underscores the urgent need for President Bola Tinubu to exercise presidential authority to formally correct this historic anomaly — if he really believes in his acclaimed concept of ‘Èmi l’ókàn,’” she stated.

“Where is the 2014 National Confab Report? The time for restructuring is Now or Never!”

Yoruba Union Flags Insecurity, Federal Complicity

The Yoruba Union’s statement highlighted worsening insecurity in the affected regions, including recent violence allegedly perpetrated by Fulani herders. A particularly devastating attack in Kwara South saw the deaths of over 10 Yoruba vigilantes and forest guards.

The Union further accused the federal government of arming members of Miyetti Allah, linking them to attacks on Yoruba communities, and describing the situation as both a security crisis and a threat to Yoruba identity.

“This is not just about cultural misrepresentation — it is a matter of survival,” the statement read.
“Our people are dying, our lands are being taken, and our heritage is being erased.”

A Call for Unity and Action

Adesanya-Davies and the Yoruba Union have jointly called for:

Immediate reclassification of Kwara and Kogi West as Yoruba territories.

Government action to halt violence and investigate alleged federal complicity.

Support from Yoruba communities, both domestic and in the diaspora, to provide humanitarian and logistical aid to local vigilante groups protecting their ancestral lands.

Political Implications and Warning for Tinubu

The statement concluded with a stern warning: failure by the Tinubu administration to act decisively would be viewed as complicity and would “be judged harshly by history.”

“President Tinubu has a responsibility — not just as a Yoruba son, but as Nigeria’s leader — to ensure that no citizen is left vulnerable due to political misclassification and indifference,” said Nuhu Agum, Senior Special Assistant to Adesanya-Davies.

As the debate around restructuring and identity continues to gain national traction, the spotlight is now on Aso Rock — will the Tinubu administration act on the growing calls for recognition, protection, and justice for the Yoruba people in Kwara and Kogi West?