Afenifere warns against indigenous status, cites the risk of ethnic tensions

The socio-political organization of Pan-Yoruba, Afenifere, has raised concerns about a bill that tries to confer the status of indigenous people on people who have resided in a particular position for at least ten years, warning that it could exacerbate ethnic tensions and violence.

The Chamber of Representatives recently approved for the second reading of a series of invoices aimed at modifying the sections of the Constitution of Nigeria in 1999.

Among these is the bill on the status of indigenous, sponsored by vice -president Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six other legislators, who have undergone a second reading on Wednesday 26 March 2025.

The legislation proposed aims to grant indigenous rights to people who have continuously lived in an area for ten years or to married women with indigenous people of that position.

If approved, the relevant sections of the Constitution would highlight to redefine the indigenieship based on the residence and marriage rather than the ancestral lineage.

Reacting to development, Afenifere, in a declaration issued by his secretary of national advertising, Jare Ajayi, he opposed firmly to the bill, claiming that contradicts the fundamental understanding of the Indigengers.

Ajayi explained that modern companies generally classify residents in four categories: indigenous (natives), citizens, residents and visitors.

While visitors can possibly obtain permanent residence or citizenship through legal processes, Indigeneship, according to Afenifere, is deeply linked to ancestors, cultural heritage and historical roots.

“In various parts of the world, indigenousness is linked to ancestors, historical connection with the earth, language, costumes and cultural heritage,” said Ajayi.

Afenifere suggested that the push for this bill could be motivated by hegemonic ambitions, territorial expansion and the search for political influence.

The group warned against pursuing this policy at the expense of indigenous communities, underlining that it could light conflicts similar to those witnesses in some parts of Nigeria in which tensions between indigenous and colonists led to violent clashes.

The organization has further criticized the failure of the authorities to adequately face these disputes, attributing the recurring conflicts to personal prejudices and dishonesty between those in power.

“Afenifere invites the national assembly to abandon this bill and focus on the renovation of Nigeria in order to ensure that all regions have a sense of belonging and autonomy within a truly federal system”, concluded the declaration.

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