18 hours Ago By Guardian Nigeria
The Yoruba people have long been revered as custodians of history, culture, and tradition, firmly establishing themselves as one of Africa’s most resilient and deeply rooted civilisations. Across Nigeria, the concept of indigeneity has played a vital role in defining communities, ensuring the preservation of heritage and continuity of governance through generations. However, a new challenge has emerged with the introduction of House Bill 2057 (HB.
2057), a proposed amendment to the Nigerian Constitution aimed at guaranteeing indigene status to individuals based on birth, continuous residence of at least ten years, or marriage. This bill seeks to amend Section 31 of the Principal Act by introducing new subsections that define the criteria for being considered an indigene of a state. According to the proposed amendment, a Nigerian citizen can be considered an indigene of a state if they were born in that state and have lived there for at least 10 years, or were not born in the state but have resided in a local government area of that state for at least 10 years and can provide evidence of tax payment in that state for at least 10 years, or are married to an indigene of that state for at least five years, in which case the spouse also becomes an indigene.
The bill has passed the second reading at the House of Representatives, marking a significant step towards its potential enactment. However, concerns have been raised that if passed, this bill would undermine the fundamental essence of indigenous identity, potentially jeopardising the rights and cultural heritage of Nigeria’s indigenous communities. The dangers of HB.
2057: A threat to true indigeneity The fundamental problem with HB.2057 lies in its attempt to replace birthright, ancestral lineage, and deep-rooted cultural identity with superficial, time-bound criteria. Indigeneity is not something one acquires through mere residence or marriage; it is an inheritance passed down through generations, woven into the very fabric of a people’s history.
To tamper with this is to undermine the essence of our traditional societies. Erosion of true indigeneity Indigeneity is more than just a geographical attachment; it is a historical and cultural bond that connects a people to their ancestral lands. HB.
2057 threatens to dilute this birthright by introducing alternative paths to indigene status, such as a decade-long residence or marriage. These criteria fail to recognise the spiritual, historical, and cultural depth that defines an indigenous person. In Yoruba land, for instance, being an indigene is tied to ancestral lineage, not just a length of stay.
This bill therefore seeks to erase the sacredness of identity in favour of a generic, politically motivated redefinition. Potential for exploitation and marginalisation Opening the gates of indigeneity to non-indigenous individuals through residence and marriage introduces the risk of opportunistic claims, which could lead to the marginalisation of authentic indigenous populations. As history has shown, policies that do not adequately safeguard native rights often result in the displacement of the very people they should protect.
If enacted, HB.2057 could enable those with no genuine ancestral connection to a land to claim indigene rights, potentially sidelining original inhabitants from economic opportunities, governance structures, and access to local resources. Threat to local culture and governance Every indigenous community in Nigeria has a distinct governance system, deeply rooted in traditions that have been carefully upheld for centuries.
The passage of HB.2057 would create an avenue for those without historical ties to a land to participate in and influence its governance, often without understanding or respecting its cultural nuances. Yoruba land, for instance, has a long-established system of monarchy, chieftaincy, and traditional councils that regulate societal structures in line with historical traditions.
Allowing external influences to dictate the affairs of an indigenous community would disrupt these systems and gradually erode the unique governance identities of different ethnic nationalities. Questionable motives behind the Bill HB.2057 was introduced by Hon.
Benjamin Okezie Kalu and six others under the guise of national integration and unity. However, its political undertones cannot be ignored. If truly aimed at fostering national unity, why was there no broad-based consultation with traditional leaders, cultural custodians, and grassroots communities before its presentation? The bill appears to serve a larger agenda—one that prioritises political convenience over the preservation of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic identities.
Our stand: The preservation of indigeneity As Yoruba people, and as Nigerians committed to the protection of our cultural heritage, we stand firmly against HB.2057. Indigene status is not just a label—it is an embodiment of ancestry, tradition, and history that should not be compromised for political expediency.
We, therefore, call on the Federal Government, the National Assembly, and all stakeholders to: (i)Reject HB.2057 in its entirety. This bill is a direct attack on the foundational identity of indigenous Nigerians and must not be allowed to stand.
(ii)Preserve the original meaning of indigeneity. Indigenous status should remain a recognition of those with deep, historical, and cultural ties to their communities, not something that can be obtained through temporary residence or marriage. Engage traditional institutions in any discussions on indigeneity.
The Nigerian government must recognise and involve community leaders, traditional custodians, and indigenous groups in any discourse surrounding national identity, governance, and resource allocation. Such a crucial matter should not be decided in the corridors of political power without consulting the true custodians of heritage. Conclusion: A call to action Indigeneity is not up for negotiation.
It is not a status that can be handed out based on convenience. It is a sacred right that has preserved communities, cultures, and traditions for generations. HB.
2057 is an assault on this legacy, and we must resist it with all our might. We call on all Yoruba sons and daughters, and indeed all Nigerians who value their heritage, to reject HB.2057 and demand its immediate withdrawal.
Let us unite to ensure that our birthright is not sacrificed in the name of political convenience. Our ancestors fought to preserve our identity—now, it is our turn to defend it. Bokini wrote on behalf of Yoruba Nimi Empowerment Foundation.
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