By Hassanat Adebowale
The Yoruba Youth Assembly has called on the National Assembly to halt the passage of the Indigene Status Bill, warning that it poses a significant threat to indigenous identity in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday in Lagos, the group’s President, Mr. Thomas Olarinde, expressed strong opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment, which passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to grant indigene status to individuals based on birth, continuous residence of at least 10 years, or marriage. Another bill, the Citizenship by Investment Bill, which allows foreign investors to acquire Nigerian citizenship upon meeting specific investment thresholds, also passed its second reading on Wednesday.
Olarinde described the Indigene Status Bill as a direct threat to indigenous communities, particularly the Yoruba people. “This move is not just ill-advised but a direct attempt to weaken the ancestral claims of native populations,” he said.
He argued that Nigeria’s complex ethnic structure and historical realities make it impossible to reduce land ownership and cultural identity to mere residency. “Forcing such a system on the country would create unnecessary conflict and foster deep divisions,” Olarinde added.
The group warned that if the bill becomes law, it could lead to political and demographic manipulation, gradually displacing indigenous people from their ancestral lands. Olarinde also cautioned that native customs, traditions, and leadership systems could face erosion as individuals without historical ties to a region gain undue influence over its governance.
“Such a policy would not promote unity but instead fuel resentment and struggles over land, resources, and political power. No law should strip indigenous communities of their rightful heritage under the pretense of inclusivity,” he said.
Olarinde urged Yoruba leaders, both traditional and political, as well as citizens, to reject the bill entirely. “Any attempt to redefine ‘indigeneship’ in a way that threatens the survival of indigenous communities will be met with strong resistance,” he concluded.
GI’s Legal Corner
The Indigene Status Bill presents important constitutional and socio-political issues. Nigeria’s constitution emphasizes equality and non-discrimination while also upholding federal character principles that safeguard indigenous rights and ensure fair representation.
If enacted, the bill would reshape existing legal definitions of citizenship, residency, and political eligibility, potentially creating tension between inclusivity and indigenous protections.
Supporters argue that it fosters inclusivity, while critics contend it could undermine protections for native communities and disrupt long-standing notions of identity and belonging.
As stakeholders weigh in, the debate is expected to grow more intense, with calls for revisions or outright rejection likely to dominate discussions.
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