Ethnic Militancy and National Stability in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Oodua People's Congress

Akinyele, R.T.

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Title:	Ethnic Militancy and National Stability in Nigeria: A Case Study of the Oodua People's Congress
Author:	Akinyele, R.T.
Year:	2001
Periodical:	African Affairs: The Journal of the Royal African Society
Volume:	100
Issue:	401
Period:	October
Pages:	623-640
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	political systems ethnicity democracy Ethnic and Race Relations Politics and Government Military, Defense and Arms Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:	https://www.jstor.org/stable/3518704
Abstract:	The emergence in Nigeria of ethnic militias whose goal is to protect the identities and interests of the groups they represent within the federation raises a number of questions: to what extent does the existence of these ethnic congresses threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria? Is the existence of people's congresses compatible with democracy, or a negation of the democratic form of government? How justifiable or workable is the blanket ban on ethnic militias in Nigeria, at least in the light of past experience? This article examines these question, using the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) as a case study in the wider context of the challenges that the Obasanjo administration has faced since its inception in May 2001. The OPC was established in 1994 and by March 1999, it had opened some 2,786 branches in different parts of Yorubaland. The wave of violence associated with the activities of the ethnic congresses prompted President Obasanjo to impose a blanket ban on all militias on 9 January 2000. The article proposes the establishment of a 'People's Committee' to foster cordial relations between the ethnic congresses and the government at all levels. Notes, ref., sum.