The Think Yoruba First Organisation has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to reject the proposed federal bill that seeks to grant indigenous rights to Nigerians based on residency or marriage.

According to the organisation, the bill, which was proposed by a member of the House of Representatives (HoR), Kalu Okezie, would erode the cultural and historical foundations of indigenous peoples across Nigeria, leading to ethnic tensions, conflicts, and long-term instability.

This was contained in a statement signed by the President of the group, Bolarinwa Oladimeji and Secretary, Bukola Adeniji.

The organization argues that the bill is contrary to global precedents, where indigenous identity is tied to ancestry, cultural heritage, and historical connection to the land, not just residency or marriage.

They cite examples from the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, where indigenous rights are protected to prevent cultural erasure and ensure historical continuity.

Think Yoruba First Organization warned that legalising the erasure of indigenous identity would exacerbate ethnic conflicts in Nigeria, citing historical examples such as the Rwandan genocide and the Balkan Wars.

They noted that Nigeria itself has witnessed countless ethnic conflicts due to territorial and indigenous disputes, including the crises in Jos, Southern Kaduna, Ife-Modakeke, Aguleri-Umuleri, and the clashes between herders and farmers across the Middle Belt.

The organisation, therefore, called on the National Assembly to reject the proposed bill and instead focus on demanding Ethnolinguistic Restructuring of Nigeria for peace, as advocated by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

This, they believe, is the only way to promote peaceful coexistence, economic empowerment, and equitable development for all Nigerians without tampering with the historical and cultural integrity of indigenous peoples.

“The indigenous identity of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities is a sacred heritage that must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. If this bill is allowed to pass, it will set a dangerous precedent that could lead to an irreversible distortion of Nigeria’s ethnic foundations, leading to deeper fragmentation and possible disintegration.

“We urge all Representatives from the South West, South South, and North Central regions to strongly oppose this bill in its entirety. The protection of indigenous rights is a fundamental responsibility that must not be compromised.

“Instead of seeking to alter indigenous identity, we call on the National Assembly to focus on demanding for Ethnolinguistic Restructuring of Nigeria for peace as advocated for by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, this is the only partway to promote peaceful coexistence, economic empowerment, and equitable development for all Nigerians without tampering with the historical and cultural integrity of indigenous peoples.” (The Guardian)