……Says, ‘Our Territory, Our Future’
May 04, 2025
By Adedoja Adesoja
Think Yoruba First (TYF), a Pan Yoruba socio-cultural organization, has sounded the alarm on the need for South West Governors and Legislators to take urgent action to protect Yoruba lands from indiscriminate sales and takeover by non-indigenous individuals.
According to TYF, the current system has led to a significant portion of Yoruba land being acquired by outsiders through various means, including farming, development schemes, and outright purchase.
The group emphasized that this trend poses a significant threat to the interests of Yoruba people and requires immediate attention.
“It is important and urgent for South West Governors, Law-Makers to pay attention to the percent of lands that is getting taken over by Non-Yoruba folks via different schemes including farming, developing schemes and outright purchase,” TYF stated.
The group noted that sometimes, while individual land sales may not be in the hands of the Government, it is essential for state laws to be enacted to protect the intangible assets of Yoruba people.
“Failure to enact state laws to protect the intangible assets will lead to problems and dispute in the future,” TYF warned.
TYF emphasized the need for regional campaigns against outright sales of land, highlighting that the South West region is unique in Nigeria for its accessibility to land for all. “In the whole of Nigeria, it is only in SW that everyone is able to get land without guards,” the group observed.
However, TYF expressed concern that the percentage of South West lands now belonging to others is unknown, and it is essential for Yoruba leaders to be mindful of this trend. “It is currently unknown the percentage of SW lands that has now belonged to others, but we need to be mindful,” TYF stressed.
The group urged South West governors and legislators to take immediate action to protect Yoruba lands and ensure that the interests of Yoruba people are safeguarded. “It’s imperative that our governors take a closer look at this issue and make necessary amendments to safeguard our territory and resources,” TYF said.
TYF emphasized that the Yoruba people deserve a land administration system that serves their interests and promotes equitable access to land. “The Yoruba people deserve a land administration system that serves their interests and promotes equitable access to land,” the group added.
In light of these concerns, TYF called on South West legislators to prioritize the interests of Yoruba people and enact laws that will protect their lands and resources.
“We need a review that will prioritize the interests of the Yoruba people and ensure that our land and resources are protected and utilized for our benefit,” TYF mentioned.
The group has cautioned that the failure to take urgent action to protect Yoruba lands could have severe consequences.
“If Yoruba leaders fail to act now, we risk losing our territory and resources, which could lead to irreparable harm to the interests and well-being of the Yoruba people,” TYF warned.
