The Yoruba Union Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently tackle the socio-economic hardships facing Nigerians, describing the failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin as a warning for the Nigerian government.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through Home Director Princess Balogun, the group expressed deep concern over what it termed growing public disillusionment with African political leaders who allegedly divert public funds while leaving citizens in poverty.
The Union noted that prolonged neglect and deprivation across West Africa have, at times, made military interventions appear as acceptable alternatives to failing democratic governance.
“Democracy is meant to guarantee transparency, accountability, and protection of citizens’ rights. But when political leaders manipulate state institutions to suppress dissent and silence calls for good governance, people naturally feel betrayed and unsafe,” the statement read.
Call for Urgent Government Action
The Yoruba Union urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly to prevent situations similar to those in neighbouring countries. It highlighted pressing issues such as insecurity, rising school dropout rates, and the reversal of pro-people policies that have left millions vulnerable.
“Insecurity has reached alarming levels, yet the government continues to negotiate with terrorists while ordinary citizens live in fear. Hospitals are dilapidated, lacking essential equipment, forcing patients to suffer while politicians seek medical treatment abroad at taxpayers’ expense,” the group said.
While the Union clarified that it does not advocate military takeovers, it warned that ongoing injustices—including poor healthcare, decaying infrastructure, and widening social inequality—could provoke public frustration and support for undemocratic alternatives if left unaddressed.
Criticism of Past and Current Leadership
The Union also criticised the leadership of former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Tinubu, claiming their administrations have worsened Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions.
“What happened in Benin Republic should be a wake-up call to Nigerian politicians. Ignoring citizens’ needs and continuing to entrench poverty could, God forbid, push people to support extreme measures if the government fails to fulfill its constitutional obligations,” the statement warned.
The Yoruba Union called on the government to restore trust, ensure accountability, and implement policies that improve citizens’ living conditions, stressing that failure to act could undermine Nigeria’s democratic experiment.
“Nigerians must not wait for crises to escalate into violence or unrest. Leaders must act now to prevent the deepening of poverty, frustration, and potential instability in the nation,” the Union said.
The group concluded that the failed coup serves as “a mirror reflecting the frustrations of Africans across the continent, increasingly rejecting leaders who enrich themselves while citizens endure poverty and hardship.”