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Yoruba Democratic Alliance (AYDM) Calls on Tinubu to Redress Long-standing Itsekiri Marginalization
The Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM)—a coalition of 121 Pan-Yoruba organizations across Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Edo, Kwara, Kogi, and the West African Coast—has urged President Bola Tinubu to address the historical marginalization of the Itsekiri people, an indigenous ethnic group.
In a letter addressed to President Tinubu on Tuesday following an extensive meeting of Pan-Yoruba groups, the AYDM highlighted that for over a millennium, the Itsekiri have maintained a distinct identity, a thriving civilization, and made significant contributions to African cultural and economic growth.
The Itsekiri, an ethnic group of approximately 1.5 million people, are primarily found in Delta and Edo States. Despite their long-standing presence in the Niger Delta, they have often been classified as minorities, restricting their access to political, economic, and social opportunities. The AYDM noted that despite their ancestral lands being exploited for natural resources, the Itsekiri people have received little to no benefits in return.
In the letter signed by AYDM General Secretary Popoola Ajayi and Secretary for Mobilization, Chief Kunle Oshodi, the group emphasized that the Itsekiri produce 35% of Nigeria’s oil and gas, yet have not been adequately compensated.
“There are no economic landmarks, no industries, no proportionate employment opportunities in the oil companies, and only token political appointments at the federal level.”
The AYDM further criticized the exclusion of the Itsekiri people from key leadership positions:
No Itsekiri person has ever led the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
No Itsekiri person has been appointed as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
No Itsekiri person has served as a Federal Minister since 1999.
“This is an injustice that must be corrected,” the group stated.
Despite enduring oppression, environmental degradation, and systematic exclusion, the Itsekiri remain one of the few ethnic groups in the Niger Delta that have never resorted to violence, vandalization, oil bunkering, or theft. The AYDM urged the Tinubu administration to ensure that peaceful conduct is recognized and rewarded, rather than incentivizing groups that resort to threats and armed uprisings.
The coalition also paid tribute to Pa Alfred Rewane, a revered Itsekiri nationalist, who was instrumental in financing the struggle against military rule—a commitment that led to his assassination in November 1994.
“We commend President Tinubu for recognizing Pa Rewane’s contributions to democracy and justice. As Governor of Lagos State, he honored him by naming one of the city’s longest streets after him,” the group remarked.
The AYDM called on President Tinubu to correct this historical injustice by ensuring the Itsekiri people receive:
Strategic industrial investments in their homeland.
Meaningful federal appointments that foster inclusion.
Concrete development projects that reflect their contribution to Nigeria’s wealth.
“Recognizing the Itsekiri people is a step towards justice and equity,” the AYDM concluded.
Source: Yoruba Nostalgia Project.
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