Northern Commentator Mahdi Shehu Affirms Yoruba Right to Self-Determination Under African Charter

The debate over Nigeria’s unity has intensified after Northern socio-political commentator, Mahdi Shehu, publicly affirmed the demand for a Yoruba nation falls squarely within the people’s legitimate rights as guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Dependable NG reports that Shehu made the controversial submission in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday. He noted that the Yoruba people have maintained an unbroken and continuous demand for self-determination since the era of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The commentator argued emphatically that no one should condemn the Yoruba’s agitation, stressing that other regions are equally entitled to take a similar step if they desire. He wrote, “Nobody should begrudge the Yoruba for the continuous and unbroken demand to go their separate way, far away from ‘parasites and unschooled lots,’ since the time of Pa Awolowo.”

According to Shehu, the foundation for this right is clearly established in Article 20 of the African Charter, which confers upon all peoples the right to existence and the inalienable right to self-determination. He further explained the legal weight of the terms used in the Charter: “Understanding the words ‘unquestionable’ and ‘inalienable’ is valuable. Inalienable simply means what is yours forever, which cannot be taken away from you. It is a fixed right that cannot be revoked by anybody.”

Shehu further asserted that while the Yoruba had previously pursued self-determination through violent means, their current approach appears to be through negotiation. He cynically attributed this shift to the fact that “Bola is in charge,” implying a change in political calculus. He noted the group now holds immense influence, stating, “They have both political and economic powers in their hands, legs, fingers, head, neck, and shoulder.” The commentator concluded that should the Yoruba eventually succeed in their demand, they would have all they need, while others would be left with what they deserved from the start.