NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
A socio-political group, Think Yoruba First (TYF), has rejected a proposed bill before the House of Representatives that seeks to grant indigene rights to Nigerians who have either resided in a particular place for 10 years or have been married to an indigenous person for the same period.
In a statement signed by its executives—Dr Bukola Adeniji, Mr Kayode Ọlọkọ, Dr Mark Faleye, Engr Kunle Faleti, and Mr Bolarinwa Oladimeji—TYF argued that the bill, sponsored by Hon. Kalu Okezie, would erode the cultural and historical foundations of indigenous peoples across Nigeria and could fuel ethnic tensions, conflicts, and long-term instability.
The group maintained that global best practices do not grant indigenous status based on residency or marriage, citing examples such as Native Americans in the United States, Aboriginals in Australia, and indigenous communities in Canada and New Zealand.
“No serious nation undermines the rights of its indigenous people by arbitrarily granting indigenous status to settlers. Around the world, indigenous identity is tied to ancestry, cultural heritage, and historical connection to the land—not just residency or marriage.
“History has shown that forceful alteration of indigenous identity is a precursor to ethnic violence and civil unrest, especially in multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nations.