Introduction

As the Horuba people also known in our deeper consciousness as Horuba seek a future of self-determination, prosperity, and cultural restoration, it is crucial to clarify that our aspiration for sovereignty does not require war, nor does it seek hostility against Nigeria. The Nigerian Constitution, alongside international legal precedents, provides a lawful pathway to peaceful self-determination.

Moreover, a properly structured national trade agreement between an independent Horuba Nation and Nigeria will preserve the economic and social bonds that history has forged, ensuring that both nations remain partners in prosperity.

 

1. Constitutional and Legal Grounds for Yoruba Self-Determination

While the Nigerian Constitution does not explicitly grant the right to secession, it recognizes the sovereignty of the people and is subject to principles of self-determination under international law, to which Nigeria is a signatory.

• Section 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) states:
  
  

“Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom the government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority.”

This places sovereignty in the hands of the people, meaning any constituent national group, including the Yoruba, possesses the inherent right to self-determine their political future, provided this is expressed democratically. While the struggle for secession might be a difficult one, there are ways to achieve our liberation in a more legal and social way.

• Section 39(1) grants the freedom of expression, including political expression of self-determination and nationhood, as a protected right:
  
  

“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

Additionally, Nigeria is bound by the:

• African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap A9 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, which under Article 20, declares:
  
  

“All peoples shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen.”

Thus, the Horuba people can invoke these provisions by:

1. Organizing a referendum within the Yoruba states of Nigeria under the supervision of the National Assembly or via a constitutional amendment that allows for such plebiscites.
   
   

2. Engaging in peaceful negotiation with the Nigerian government under the framework of constitutional and international law.
   

2. Global Precedents of Peaceful Secession

Several nations have secured independence without war, establishing that peaceful secession is possible with dialogue, diplomacy, and legal frameworks:

• Czechoslovakia → Czech Republic and Slovakia (1993):
  
  A peaceful “Velvet Divorce” saw the country split into two sovereign states by mutual agreement — preserving diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
  
  

• Sudan → South Sudan (2011):
  
  A referendum monitored internationally allowed South Sudan to secede based on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, with both countries retaining trade relations despite political challenges.
  
  

• Singapore from Malaysia (1965):
  
  Singapore was expelled peacefully from the Federation of Malaysia, later becoming an economic powerhouse while maintaining diplomatic and trade relations with Malaysia.
  
  

These examples demonstrate that secession does not necessitate war, but requires political will, respect for democratic choices, and structured negotiations.

 

3. A Proposed Nigeria-Horuba Bilateral Trade & Partnership Agreement

 

To prevent economic hostility or disruption, the Horuba Nation proposes a National Trade and Partnership Agreement (NTPA) with Nigeria, modeled after global economic unions:

Key Proposals:

 

• Free Trade Zones: Establish a West African Free Trade Corridor where goods, services, and labor can move between Nigeria and Horuba with minimal barriers.
  
  

• Joint Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives: Collaborate on shared resources like oil, gas, and power generation facilities, particularly in border regions.
  
  

• Cultural and Academic Exchange Programs: To maintain shared historical ties, both nations can foster cultural festivals, education exchange, and dual academic programs.
  
  

• Security Cooperation: Commit to a joint security pact to combat terrorism, smuggling, and cross-border crimes.
  
  

• Dual Citizenship Arrangement: Yoruba/Horuba people residing in Nigeria pre-independence can retain dual citizenship to preserve family and social bonds.
  
  

• National Travel Passports, Identification and Documentation Arrangements.

 

This framework ensures that Nigeria does not lose the benefits of Yoruba productivity and innovation, while Horuba gains the sovereignty to chart its own political, cultural, and economic future.

 

Conclusion:

 

The Horuba national quest for sovereignty is not a declaration of war, but a declaration of destiny and growth. It is rooted in:

 

• Constitutional principles of popular sovereignty and freedom of expression,
  
  

• International legal guarantees of self-determination,
  
  

• Historical precedent that peaceful secession is achievable,
  
  

• A vision for enduring economic partnership rather than enmity.
  
  

• Protection for Indigenous Land Rights, and Cultural Identity Security.

 

 

“We seek not the destruction of bonds, but their redefinition in terms of equality, dignity, and mutual respect.”

The Horuba Nation stands ready to negotiate this peaceful transition with Nigeria and allies, not as rebels, but as a civilization reclaiming its place in the community of nations.