Yorubaland faces systemic insecurity: cultural, economic, and political roots of violence
Original framing: “Beyond bullets, negotiations and ransom: Yorubaland in the grip of terrorists” — bing news
The current crisis echoes historical patterns of marginalization and resistance seen in Yorubaland during colonial and post-colonial periods. The 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War and the 1990s Ogun State violence are precedents that reveal how structural neglect leads to cyclical violence.
The crisis in Yorubaland is not an isolated outbreak of terrorism but a systemic consequence of historical marginalization, political exclusion, and economic neglect.
The Ooni of Ife and other traditional institutions represent a cultural and spiritual resource that is underutilized in mainstream security discourse. By integrating these institutions with modern governance, investing in youth and education, and redistributing political power, it is possible to address the root causes of violence. Comparative studies from Indigenous and African traditions suggest that restorative justice and community-based mediation are more effective than punitive measures. The trickster lens reveals the absurdity of blaming the marginalized for the failures of the powerful, urging a reevaluation of who is truly responsible for the crisis.