Group rejects bill seeking to grant indigenship by marriage, others

Yoruba Nimi Empowerment Foundation has strongly opposed the House Bill seeking to redefine indigeneity by granting indigenous status based on birth, continuous residence of at least 10 years, or marriage.

The foundation’s president, Olaseni Bokini, stated that indigeneity should be viewed as an inheritance passed down through generations, forming an integral part of a people’s history.

He argued that the proposed bill could lead to the marginalisation of authentic indigenous populations by allowing individuals with no genuine ancestral connection to claim indigenous rights.

“The bill could result in the displacement of original inhabitants from economic opportunities, governance structures, and access to local resources,” he said.

Bokini argued that the bill’s passage could serve as a threat to local culture and governance, as external influences may dictate the affairs of indigenous communities without understanding or respecting their cultural nuances.

He, therefore, urged the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to reject the bill in its entirety.

“Yoruba land, with its long-established system of monarchy, chieftaincy, and traditional councils, is particularly vulnerable to disruption.

“The fundamental problem with the bill lies in its attempt to replace birthright, ancestral lineage, and deep-rooted cultural identity with superficial, time-bound criteria.

“Indigeneity is not something one acquires through mere residence or marriage; it is an inheritance passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of a people’s history.

“To tamper with this is to undermine the essence of our traditional societies,” he said. The group called on Yoruba sons and daughters and Nigerians who valued their heritage to reject the bill and demand its immediate withdrawal.

“Let us unite to ensure that our birthright is not sacrificed in the name of political convenience. Our ancestors fought to preserve our identity, it is our turn to defend it, now,” he added.