YORUBA IN NORTHERN NIGERIA AND THE 1960 INDEPENDENCE

CELEBRATION

ADEYI EZEKIEL MAJOR

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF JOS, JOS

NIGERIA

Abstract

That Nigeria is an artificial creation is no news nor does it require a rigorous academic debate.(Awolowo ,(1947),Gofwen(2004)) What made the artificial creation workable is the early and deep integration among the sub ethno-regional groups, through socio-economic activities (Otite (1990),Suberu (1996) Idea (2000) and Alubo (2004).

The Yoruba of south west Nigeria have heavy presence in the northern part of Nigeria long before the attainment of independence by the country. Ogunsuyi (2010). This paper will focus on the Yoruba in the Jos plateau area of the northern Nigeria, and how they prepared for the independence, celebrated the emancipation, their expectations and what came out of their expectations of anindependent Nigeria,

We shall discuss the class character of the Yoruba population in the area now known as plateau state, their involvement in politics along side their primary business. The paper will also look at the role of the political parties in the area and how it shaped the expectations and involvement of the Yoruba population in the area. (Ojiaku 1958)

The Yoruba in Plateau area of the northern Nigeria were active members of the defunct Action Group/United Middle Belt alliance; they actively participated in Willink’s commission of inquiry, so they were consciously awaiting theindependence. Lar, (2010). The celebration was done at

Kaduna as the then capital of the northern region, yet everyhome was fully involved in the celebration.

Special delegation of Yoruba leaders were in Kaduna to witness the celebration as they could not go to Lagos the then federal capital city of the federation. The schools were not left out just as the religious centers devoted timefor prayers for the new born nation. This was to however short lived as the Action Group crisis divided the unity of the Yoruba community in plateau.

The iron rule of the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) in the north made the Yoruba desire the independence but this expectation was aborted when the military took over and create twelve federating states, creating another awareness of statism. This no doubt dashed the hope of the Yoruba who were seen as part of the dream UMBC reign .Adeyi (2004)

The aspirations could not be attained, the Yoruba gradually sensed a policy of rejection, and they also find it very difficult to be integrated into their own community in the home states of south west Nigeria. They lack adequate government support and protection, thus the independence become a burden as they are now treated as non indigenes in a place they fought for her independence,

We shall conclude the paper by linking it to the present civil unrest and wanton killings in Jos and environ currently been experience in the area. To date the Yoruba are the highest casualty in the unending Plateau ethno-religious crisis.

IntroductionThe Nigeria that we come to know today , as the ‘giant’

of Africa, is an indisputable artificial creation by the British colonial master. Nigeria was born as a nation in 1914, when the amalgamation of the Northern and the Southernprotectorates was effected by Lord Fredrick Lugard. The usual teething problem of nation building and integration

made it easy for politicians, and scholars to quickly refer to the unnatural fusion which Chief Awolowo described as a mere geographical expression( Awolowo (1957), Gofwen (2004)), among several other scholars.

It is interesting to note the prevailing condition, in the territory that the over 250 ethnic nationalities, were already interacting, carrying out socio-economic activities,long before the advent of colonial administration. This really helped in making the artificial creation, a reality and easy to construct Otite (2000), Suberu (1996), Idea (2000) and Alubo (2004)) that today we are talking of fifty years of Nigeria as an independent nation-state.

The 1914 Lugard amalgamation was the second attempt to create the Nigeria State, the first move was in 1906 when the British Colonial administration merged the colony of Lagos with the protectorate of Southern Nigeria to form whatwas then known as the colony and protectorate of Southern Nigeria. So the 1914 artificial creation was a kind of progressive move to have the whole territory under the British Colonial rule.(Yahaya (1989)

We would not go into details of how the Royal Niger Company (RNC) was administering the northern protectorate ofNigeria up to 1900, and the resistance by the natives to British Colonial rule. This political struggle between the natives and the colonial masters led to the introduction of a Federal constitution in 1951 with three regions of eastern, western and northern, mainly based on the existenceand influence of the three major ethnic nationalities of Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa/Fulani.(Oladosu (1981) The minority ethnic nationalities in all the three regions were treated as part of the major ethnic nationalities of their respective regions.

This arrangement may give us a better understanding of how minority tribes in Nigeria were despised from the take off stage, even when most of them had their own sovereign states, before the colonial rule incursion, and derailment of their traditional institutions. For the indigenous tribesof Jos, the 1960 independence meant much, as the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) wanted Jos to be another Hausa

settlement; this was encouraged by the British Colonial administration when it ‘founded’ Jos in 1915. Jos was referred to as “Hausa settlement of Jos” and so it was treated until the Natives, through the support of the Yorubawas able to exert their hold on the land. (Adedokun1979)

Like many other ethnic nationalities, the Yoruba moved out of their traditional territory of the western region in search of greener pastures. Some moved primarily as traders,some as unskilled laborers in the construction of railway lines up north. In the Jos Plateau area, Tin Mining activities encouraged the migration of Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities to the area Sha (1993), Shut (2005). The Yoruba overtime integrated with other ethnic groups which made them to be actively involved in the agitation forIndependence. There is hardly a settlement with a population of 200 people in the Northern part, that there is not a Yoruba doing one business or the other.(Afolabi 2000) Most of the schools have Yoruba as teachers, textile business; household materials, red collar jobs were dominated by them thereby making the agitation for independence a combined efforts of the natives and the Yoruba.

The Yoruba as an ethnic nationality was well organized with leadership in each town or village they were found in northern Nigeria. A general umbrella body of the Yoruba in the north was more organized, that they discussed issues of common interest. The Yoruba group was in contact with their home government and serve as ambassador of their home government of Western Region.(Adetona2001)

Evidence abound that Yoruba of South West Nigeria have long been settled in major towns of northern Nigeria, (Ogunsuyi, 2010) and are very conversant with the politics of the area. The role played by the host community in the struggle for independence was not done without the involvement of the other ethnic nationalities. Everybody wastreated as being members of the same country, and like the Hausa and Igbo ethnic nationalities, Yoruba have organized leadership headed by an Oba, who is supported by a committeecall ‘Igbimo’.

The Oba in council with his Igbimo usually attends meetings called by the colonial authority, also serve as taxcollectors and information liaison officers for the government. This gave the Yoruba a sense of belonging in theaffairs of northern Nigeria, colonial administration. For the Yoruba in the Middle Belt Area, they utilize relationship to get protection and support from dominant party leaders.Agitation for independenceNationalists’ struggle which started as a reaction against colonial rule metamorphosed into struggle for independence. Resistance by the Nationalists to colonial rule made them partakers in colonial administrations at various levels. Theinvolvement of the nationalists, in colonial administration,opened avenue for them to demand for total independence.

The political class was in the vanguard of the agitation. This paper will however focus on the events from 1957 when the Nigeria London constitutional conference was held and set a clear agenda for Nigeria’s independence. In January 1957 the colonial office announced that a constitutional conference should be convened in London in May or not later than second week of June. This led to the May 23 to June 26 1957 conference held at the Lancaster House London, under the chairmanship of Mr. Lennox-Boyd, thethen colonial secretary.(Ojiako (1983)Representation at the 1957 conference was purely based on political party membership and no single female representation from all the political parties. The Action Group had nine representatives led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo,Kamerun National Congress three, led by Dr. E. M. C Endeley,Kamerun National Democratic Party represented by Mr. I. N Foneha, Kamerun People’s Party by Mr. P. M Kale. National Council of Nigeria and The Cameroon led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, had ten representatives, Northern Element Progressive Union and Allied parties two representatives ledby Malam Amim Kano, Northern People’s Congress had six delegates led by Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, United Middle Belt Congress had Mr. J. S. Tarka, and United National Independence Party, Dr. Udo Udoma. The traditional rulers

were not left out, from the Northern Region, emirs of Kano and Katsina while the Oni of Ife, and Ewi of Ado Ekiti from the Western Region and Chief Nyong Essien of Uyo from Eastern Region were at the conference to represent traditional rulers interest. Five colonial masters namely Sir. James Robertson, Sir Bryan Sherwood-Smith, Sir John Rankine, Sir Robert Stapleton and Sir. J. O. Field, Commissioner of the Cameroon represented the Governments of Nigeria; and United Kingdom was represented by ten government officials including Mr. Alan Lennox-Boyd, The Earl of Perth, and Sir. John McPherson among others.(Ojiaku 1983 )

It is certain that the 1957 London Constitutional Conference laid a solid back ground for the 1960 independence of Nigeria. Agreements reached eventually served as the guideline for the independence celebration. The delegates wanted independence for Nigeria in 1959.

This was rejected on the grounds that there are many issues to be resolved before Nigeria could be granted independence. To tackle the issues raised, the conference resolved that a Senate for Federal Parliament be established, while the membership of the House of Representatives is also enlarged. It was also resolved that the post of the Chief Secretary be abolished and office of Deputy Governor be introduced; while Houses of Chiefs are created for Eastern Region and the Southern Cameroon. Considering the stand of Northern Region against regional self government in 1957, the constitution was revised to accommodate the northern stand.

The agreement also recommended the retention of the police at the federal level, to check abuse and misuse of police by politicians, the civil servants also got protection through the setting up of independent civil service commission very significant to the independence was the setting up of ‘commission of inquiry into the fears of the minorities and revenue allocation. This led to the Willink’s Commission, where the Yoruba in Northern Nigeria played prominent role.(Lar 2009). We shall discuss this further later in this paper.

As part of the independence preparations, the House of Chiefs in the northern region was expanded to include all first class Chiefs and forty seven others, chosen from amongthe traditional rules of the region. This became necessary when the north rejected self government in 1957. The House of Assembly was to compose of 170 elected members with five special members nominated by the Governor. The council of Chiefs was to approve appointments and depositions while theoffice of the civil secretary and financial secretary were abolished. (Ojiaku 1983)

From all indications the northern political leaders as represented in the NPC and the colonial administration are more interested in consolidating her total hold on the north, than the independence of the country. It is no secretthat the North prefers the colonial administration to an independent country, where the southern regions may gang up with the minority tribes of the North to desecrate the sanctity of one North, one people. It is therefore no surprise that the north decided to be drag footing the agitation for independence. (Lar 2010)Yoruba and preparation for independence in Northern Nigeria. Heavy presence of Yoruba is recorded in Jos, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Funtua, Kafanchan, Bauchi, Minna, Sokoto and Maiduguri long before the 1960 independence. So many factorswere responsible for their presence in these towns. Railway work drew many people to towns with railway stations, eitheras rail workers, or as those providing services to the workers. This explains why we have Yoruba in Jos, Kano, Kaduna, Kafanchan, Bauchi and Minna, among other reasons, like Jos where Tin mining drew many business interests to, while Katsina, Funtua, Kano, Kaduna, also serve as key commercial cities. There is a national body taking care of all the Yoruba in Northern Nigeria, this was an extension ofthe Ogbomoso parapo, issues affecting the welfare of Yoruba in the north, and the need to support the colonial administration is always top on the agenda.(Adedokun 1979 )

Knowing that the Yoruba is a subset of the larger Nigerian society, one is not surprise to identify a common class character among the Yoruba in northern Nigeria. We

have the well to do traders and transporters, who are in firm control of the economy. They are proud owners of landedproperties and employers of cheap labor. We also have the class of workers in mining company and rail lines, with primary school teachers operating as the middle class while the peasants, artisans, who were struggling to make ends meet also exist in large number.(Babalola 1979 )

Yoruba culture of respect for elders, couple with the fact that tradition encourages them to be their brothers keepers, made class alliance not only possible but effectivein their united struggle to be involved in northern political affairs. They do this with the hope and aspirations, that they would enjoy abundant life on attaining independence.

The influential members offer to foot the bills, while the middle class and literate members were always the errandboys, in mobilizing Yoruba across the northern region. To avoid total dependence on the rich, a times every married adult male pay some levy or due in proportion to the annual tax they pay. It is on record that Yoruba group in Jos, Kano, and Kaduna were the very active groups and this made them to be involved in the preparations for the independencecelebration.(Adedokun 1979)

Party system in the North affected the preparation by the Yoruba for the independent celebration as a united body.They are mainly in the Action Group and worked closely with United Middle Belt Congress, that was in alliance with Action Group. Some of the prominent Yoruba business men, suffered political victimization from the government of the region that was controlled by the Northern People Congress (NPC). This was the case where they were visibly seen as financial pillars of the opposition UMBC.

The 1956 election where NPC won 100 of the 131 elected seats, UMBC, 12. Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) 5, Borno Youth Movement 2 and Action Group 4, rekindled the hope of the Yoruba that independence would usher in emancipation for them and the minority ethnic nationalities of the region. So, the establishment of Henry Willink’ s.

Commission in 1957 September 25, gave the Yoruba the chance to partake in the pre- independence preparation.

Local logistics needed by the lawyers sent by the Action Group to support the agitation were fully supplied bythe Yoruba community. They made their vehicle available and provided traditional Yoruba dishes for the visiting Action Group lawyers, just to make Married adult male pay some levy or due in proportion to the annual tax they pay. It is on record that Yoruba group in Jos, Kano, and Kaduna were the very active groups and the made them to be involved in the preparations for the independence celebration. Party system in the North affected the preparation by the Yoruba for the independence celebration as a united body. They are mainly in the Action Group and worked closelywith United Middle Belt Congress, that was in alliance with Action Group. Some of the prominent Yoruba business men, suffered political victimization by the Government of the Region, that was controlled by the Northern peoples Congress(NPC). This was the case where they were visibly seen as financial pillars of the opposition UMBC.

The 1956 election where NPC won 100 of the 131 elected seats, UMBC, 12 Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) 5, Borno Youth Movement 2 and Action Group 4, rekindled the hope of the Yoruba that independence would usher in emancipation for them and the minority ethnic nationalities of the region. So the establishment of Henry Willink Commission in 1957 September 25, gave the Yoruba the chance to partake in the pre independence preparation. Morel (1964)

Local logistics needed by the lawyers sent by the Action Group to support the agitation were fully supplied bythe Yoruba community. They made their vehicles available, and provided traditional Yoruba dishes for the visiting Action Group lawyers, just to make them feel at home. A separate region was not recommended for the Northern Minorities, and Ilorin and Kabba Divisions that are Yoruba were optimistic that on attainment of independence, these issues would be revisited on treated in their favour. The Yoruba supported the UMBC, anticipating a total emancipation

from the NPC iron rule, and therefore made adequate preparation for the independence celebration.Dudley (1968)

Yoruba and the celebration of independence in Jos The headquarters of Jos, province is otherwise known as the Tin City as a result of the heavy mining activities in the area. As at 1960 Jos had the highest number of Europeans in Nigeria. The near – temperate climate of the area, coupled with Tin Mining activities made Jos and environ a home a away from home for many Europeans.

Heavy presence of these foreign nationals helped to promote socio-economic activities hence partly responsible for high population of the Yoruba in the area. The celebration of independence by the Yoruba in Jos was the peak of identity politics as an ethnic nationality. From thefirst Monday of July 1960, leaders of Yoruba in Jos meet weekly at the Ayeni Street, Ogbomoso Parapo Hall to plan forthe independence celebration.

The meetings that were usually by 6.00pm were more of congress meetings while committees met in between to carry out resolutions of the general house. Many of the primary school teachers in the mission schools in Jos and environs are Yoruba; they actively coordinated the school parade in conjunction with the education department. The Finance Committee was made up at the well to do elders, with Mr. Samuel Adedokun as the Treasurer/Chairman. Entertainment committee had Alhaji Shitu Olarenwaju and Mr. Amos Fashetireas leaders while Alhaji Bako IIorin was the head of the transport committee .Adedokun (1979)

Some prominent Yoruba like the then Prince Jimoh Oyewumi, Mr. Olagbemiro, Mr.Onigbinde, Mr. Asa, Mr. Oyegbileplayed the role of patrons, responding to emergency needs ofall the committees and also held talks with leaders of UMBC,and Native Authority officials towards the success of the day.

A five man delegates was sent to Kaduna to support members of the Northern House of Assembly at the Kaduna celebration. Those that went were more of members of UMBC/AG Yoruba wing whose presence was more political than ethno-cultural. The truth however is that.

In Jos the parade and carnival was held at the race course which is a distance of about six kilometers away fromthe city school pupils were there in great numbers. Central Baptist School Bukuru, Wilberforce Baptist School Jos, Park Road Baptist School Jos, and St Luke’s Anglican School were the schools dominated by Yoruba pupils and teachers they aremission schools with Yoruba as leaders of the school management boards. The pupils were given new school uniforms, special independence meal of rice prepared for them, and they all had independence cup and National flay asmain souvenirs especially the cups were kept by some up tillabout ten years ago. During the fortieth anniversary, some of the cups were brought out as evidence and memorial.The Yoruba closed shops went to the field with drums, and dominated the scene with traditional dance and music. The dance group was led by Mr. Ayanniyi Ayanmuyiwa whose primaryoccupation is traditional music songs were composed in support of the independence, which the Yoruba sang and danced to Yoruba community outside Jos city, were also part of the celebration as were at the Race course in Lorries; just to be part of history.

Later in the evening, the celebration continued at the cultural centre where various ethnic groups met to wine and dine Pa Adedokun recalled how they used his car to carry food cooked and the difference the Amala made at the eveningreceptions, which was a time to rejoice over a mission accomplished. The supply of foods by the Yoruba was in the spirit of building a United Independent Nigeria.

Pa Adedokun recalled that one shilling levy to every adult for the independence, was paid by almost all the regular members and he disclosed that twenty six other members gave financial support of between one pound one, andfive pounds toward the day. The zeal was very unique, especially when Yoruba community also gave stewardship of their properties without asking for financial reward.

A prominent business woman, Mrs. Segilola Ayansina in an interview said the celebration was carried into individual Yoruba homes. Many have their house roofed with zinc instead of the thatched roofs, masons and house

painters made money from those who beautified their houses for the day. According to her, wearing of new dresses for the day was like a command because everybody dressed very well as if they were going for special weddings or an uncommon state function.

The middle aged Yoruba, formed a social club to mark the independence celebration. They formed the independence club, as a result of their social activity on the fateful day. Fifteen of them under the chairmanship of Mr. J. U. Oyateru established the independence club, as a sign that they did not just witness the day, but activity participated. All the foundation members are dead, but the independence club building is still standing next to the cultural centre in Jos to date.

First Baptist Church Jos, under the leadership of Rev. Agboola hosted the Yoruba Community to a special thanksgiving service, where the National Anther was sang in Yoruba and special prayers made that the independence would usher in real emancipation for the Yoruba race, that the “Oke oya ko ni di oke iya fun wa” translated that coming across theNiger river will not being regrets and poverty to the Yoruba. (Adedokun ( 1979)

The regular Monday 6 pm meetings of Yoruba Community continued after the independence celebration. All those who contributed sacrificially for the success of the celebrationwere identified and commended by the community during the second meeting after the independence celebration. Pa JosephIyanda disclosed that the government wrote a letter of commendation to the Yoruba Community, but a researcher some years ago, begged to be given the letter to make a photocopyand return, he however did not return the letter to date.

Support given by the Yoruba for the celebration, made the Yoruba Community to be more respected, as a dynamic group that could turn the events of thing politically. The political elites therefore decided work closer with the Yoruba Community to advance their political ambition and also make governance just, free, and transparent. The NPC administration ‘compensated’ the Yoruba with appointment at Native Authority Council, as a sign of respect and

acknowledgment of their political potentials if adequately tapped. Iyanda (2010)

The Great ExpectationsWe may ask ourselves what are the expectations of the Yorubain Jos, after the independence celebration? How realistic are these expectations and for whose benefit? Yoruba in northern Nigeria, were of the position that independence would grant them more freedom as they would be integrated into the politics of the region, without any form of discrimination. Mr. Fasetire said “our mission is to establish a UMBC government in Northern Region that will give everybody abundant life and true emancipation “This to an average Yoruba means equal opportunity, access to government patronage, involvement in decision making and real sense of belonging.

Many of the Yoruba expected that their children in school would secure employment in the Northern Region government and rise to the peak of their carrier, they anticipated an independent Nigeria, where they will have a strong voice as stake holders in the affairs of government, an administration that would not discriminate against them on the grounds of ethnic or religion.

At the political level, they became more committed to the AG/UMBC alliance; as they earnestly await the over throwof the Balewa led to administration. This they sincerely gotit wrong, independence did not bring the Yoruba on equal level with the indigenous tribes more so that the NPC was the ruling party and the Yoruba were mainly in the opposition in the North and at home-western region.

Freedom expected through the UMBC was becoming a mirage, as NPC was in full control of the region and many including the Yoruba, did not have a taste of good governance, expected from the long awaited independence. Instead of enjoying the air of independence the Yoruba in northern Nigeria joined the minority ethnic nationalities tofight the internal colonizers governing the northern region.

This was a great disappointment for the people who had high expectations for the independence. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Action Group, saw this coming long

ago, when he warned that it would be naïve, and dangerous toimagine that the only enemy to destroy was British Colonialism. Awolowo (1960) saw colonialism with a tripartite meaning and the three reign side by side and in concert: imperialism of ignorance, disease and want was first on the list, followed by “British” imperialism and imperialism of local Caesars who flourished under the aegis of British imperialism.”

Imperialism of local Caesars in northern Nigeria was the first major challenge faced by the Yoruba in northern region of Nigeria, shortly after the independence. Pa David Akano, in an interview recalled how administration of justice became instrument of oppression in the hands of local judges serving the interests of the NPC government..

He noted with disappointment that “the white men that we said they should go, defended the poor but our own peoplesee governance as vengeance especially against us (Yoruba) and the natives (i.e. indigenous tribes of Jos Plateau). Theold man said response to emergency went with the colonial masters, and you have to be card carrying member of NPC before you get government attention.

AG crisis and Yoruba in the North As the Yoruba in northern Nigeria are getting to face the reality of NPC oppressive rule, another set back, set inwith devastating effect on national polity. Leader of ActionGroup, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was working on making the partya mass political party with Nigerian youths as the target group. The idea was to take an ideological path of democratic socialism, which did not go down well with his deputy, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

This development unveiled many internal disagreements in the AG leadership leading to fractionalization of the party. Series of meetings were held to resolve the contradictions but the crisis had external interest and support, especially from the ruling NPC. 1961 was not a smooth year for the AG and is had a resultant effect on the Yoruba community in Jos as they meet to make plans for the January 1962 Action Group Convention in Jos. The brewing crisis in AG affected the plans as the key members of the

local planning committees got different signals that the convention may not be peaceful. Mr. Adedokun the treasurer recalled how he was not given the expected money budgeted for the preparation. “His crime” was that he was from Ogbomosho and may be loyal to Chief SA Akintola.Mr. Adedokun, said he used his personal money to do most of the preparations and some of the members of the advance group that arrived Jos even thought that Chief Akintola has sent him money to get that accommodation arrangements done in favour of his supporters. He disclosed that it was a dangerous signal which he as a trader could not imagine the extent of the havoc on the national body of the party.The AG congress met in January 1962, in Jos as planned, chief Awolowo’s presidential address brought the internal crisis into the open and in protest, Chief Akintola, Chief Ayo Rosji the Secretary General AG, Chief A.O Adeyi and Chief J.O Adigun among others left the Jos congress abruptly. This action divided the Yoruba in northern Nigeriaas those from Osun/Ibadan division’s gave their full supportto Chief Akintola and those from Ondo. Ijebu and Lagos maintained their loyalty to AG and Chief Awolowo.Ogbomoso people constitutes over 60% of the Yoruba Communityand with support from those from Ibadan, Osogbo and few other towns, Chief Akintola got the lion share of support from Yoruba in the North, than Chief Awolowo. This development affected the support for UMBC, as there was a massive move to the NPC when Akintola later formed NNDP and alliance with NPC.Anifowose(1982)Action Group crisis disbanded the unity of Yoruba in the North, but made them to be involved in other political parties other than UMBC/AG. This development to some extent integrated the Yoruba into national politics but not as equal player Alhaji Shittu Olarenwaju noted they were treated as second class members whose vote would not charge anything. It is very clear that the Yoruba in the north did not bargain for this development, while agitating for independence.The fall of First Republic

Events leading to the collapse of the first republic affected the Yoruba in the Northern region, as the hope of having a democratic government that would make the 1960 independent relevant and improve their material condition was dashed. The Yoruba who were in support of Chief S.L.A Akinlola virtually had a sigh of relief when Chief Awolowo was tried and convicted for treasonable felony. This actually led to open confrontation at Yoruba Community meetings in Jos, when anti Awolowo member, on the floor of the meeting would make provocative and offensive statements against the person of Chief Awolowo or the followers. Chief Fashetire (1983).Not too long after that was the military disruption of democratic governance in the country, leading to the killingof Chief S. L. Akintola along with some political leaders. The killing devastated, chief Akintola’s supporters in the North, that the Yoruba Community meeting was suspended for a while on the grounds that public gathering was prohibited.Sense of insecurity beclouded the Yoruba as their two leaders were no longer on the political scene, and the General Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi appeared to be unpopular in theNorth. Adedokun (1979) Fears, uncertainty and suspicions engulfed the Yoruba in northern Nigeria as the north has tensed up following the heartless killing of the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar TafawaBalewa and Primer of northern region Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, who was also the leader of ruling Northern People Congress (NPC). The 1960 independence, became a regret as most Yorubawere of the opinion that such waste of lives, by the military would not happened in a colonial administration.By July 29 1966, there was a change of government; General Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed in a bloody military coup, along with his host governor in charge of western group of provinces Col. Adekunle Fajuyi. This brought in Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon as the Military Head of State, and the Yoruba in northern Nigeria, had a sigh of relief because their hostcommunity were happy with the development that one of their own assumed leadership of the country.

The declaration of Republic of Biafra by the Igbo ethnic nationality, claming the whole of Eastern Region, forced theYoruba to be united and worked in close concert with the northern people, just to avoid linking the Yoruba to the Biafra declaration. Gowon created twelve states out of the four regions and went a long way to inject sanity into the country. This new states came with some negative impact on the pro-indivisible north who wanted the minority ethnic nationalities to remain intact in the north. Amidst all these confusions, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was released from Calabar Prison and subsequently made the Federal Commissioner for finance. This to some extent rekindled hope that the crisis would soon be over and the Yoruba would be totally integration into the Northern politics and governance. This integration did not happen as everybody was concentrating on building their respective states, leaving the Yoruba to be home sick and wondering if the independence is worthy being obtained. Some of the Yoruba made false declaration to claim indigenship of the state they domiciled. In so doing, the Christians use their Christian names along with their father’s Christian name; same with the Moslem so that they could not be identified with through their native names.The justification by these people is that they were born andbred up north, their parents paid taxes, and they have no other state to turn to. There were cases of those who got government scholarship and sponsorship with such falsified identity and later rose to the peak of the career in the public service. Many Yoruba did not see falsification as a way out of fighting the discrimination but felt that the issue should be looked into by the government.Nothernization Policy earlier introduced by NPC government in the northern region was designed to ‘catch up’ with the ‘advanced south’. This was pursued by the Sadauna through mobilizing public opinion in support of public education, some professionals were encouraged to accommodate and groom the younger ones (Paden 1986).Beneficiaries of the Northernization Policy, among the Yoruba were those who changed their names to Hausa or Arabic

names. Others were tactically pushed aside and completely sidelined. Carrying false identity by Yoruba in Northern Nigeria made them to have a sense of neglect, and regret that the independence came with set back, that would force them out of relevance in the post independent northern Nigeria.The military era did not give the Yoruba in northern Nigeriaa sense of emancipation as emphasis was placed on statism inallocating resources like employment, patronage through contracts and school admission. The people who were in the forefront of the struggle for independence and have lost relevance at the home states, have no state to fall to, hence many found comfort in the private sector and self employed business.For Yoruba in Jos Plateau, the establishment of Jos campus of the University of Ibadan, went a long way to create a sense of belonging for them, the then military Governor, Joseph Gomwalk had approached Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, to establish a University Campus in Jos but this was turned down. He then went to his Alma matter where he studied Bachelor’s degree in Zoology for assistance. (Tyoden1987) The University of Ibadan opened the Jos campus with Professor Ayandele as the Principal and many lecturers, mostly of the Yoruba ethnic nationality were posted to the Jos campus. This to some extent made the Yoruba in Jos have a degree of acceptability as partners in progress in then Benue Plateau state. This privilege ended with the Gomwalk administration.The Emancipation Era The return to democratic rule gave Yoruba in northern Nigeria a sense of belonging in the second republic, as theytook advantage of the multi-party system to join different parties instead of the first republic practice, where they all found themselves in the Action Group. In plateau state, the administration of Governor Lar, gave the Yoruba a sense of belonging. There was an active Yoruba wing of the ruling Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) under the leadership of chief Ayo Kehinde , a reputable tin miner who came from Oyo town,

long before Independence. The Yoruba in plateau enjoyed equal benefits like other ethnic nationalities in the state.The Lar administration helped to promote the material condition of the people in general without discrimination. The emancipation programme of Chief Solomon Lar in the second republic Plateau State revived the dreams of Yoruba in the state for a truly independent Nigeria, where citizenswere equally treated. Yoruba were in the state executive council of the ruling party, and served in various committees of the NPP in the state. At the governance level,a Yoruba woman, Mrs. Janet Akinrinade was appointed the commissioner for Special Duties; many others served on various Boards and Parastatals, while there was no discrimination in party patronage and school admission. Golwa(1983)Other political parties in Plateau State gave a similar embrace for the Yoruba in the second republic. This writer was the state secretary of the unity party of Nigeria, afterhe had served as the youth’s leader and publicity secretary in the state. Barrister Omolade Makanjuola, Chief Toye Ogunsuyi, and Engineer Johnson Osuntuyi were prominent Yoruba who actively participated in the UPN. Women like Alhaji Aduke Adebayo, Mrs. M. Martins and Madam Iyabo Osinubi were women leaders who also added colour to Yoruba integration in the second republic.The military coup of December 1983 returned the Yoruba integration into a reverse gear, when the political brick lying of Solomon Lar administration was disrupted. During this era, chief Lar and many other politicians were unjustlyincarcerated by the Muhammed Buhari regime. Military Administrations posted to the state, were carried away by zeal without focus, no inspiration and they could not carry all the ethic nationalities along.A short lived democratic administration of Governor (sir) Fidelis Tapgun attempted re-integrating the Yoruba’s sense of independence and belonging. He appointed some Yoruba in the caretaker committee of the local government and membership board and parastatals. The civilian

administration surely made life abundant for the Yoruba in the aborted third republic.Yoruba in Jos always play prominent role in national politics, since independence, like the Action Group crisis, the trial of J.S. Tarka for felony at the Jos High Court; among others in the first republic. The second republic experience was more rewarding as what was experience was purely political and social interaction with the visit of Presidential candidates like Alhaji Shehu Shagari, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.These leaders have appreciable Yoruba fellowship that added colour to their presidential campaign trips to Jos, and gavethe Yoruba a sense of belonging and hope that Nigerian’s independence would truly unite all the ethnic nationalities.Yoruba supported the parties of their choice not like the first republic when they were all in the same political party AG/UMBC.Yoruba in Jos were fully involved in the party primaries of Social Democratic Party (SDP) held in Jos, where Bashorun Moshood Abiola emerged the presidential candidate. They wereonce again united to give Abiola all the support he needed to emerge as the elected President. Most of them repeated the feat accorded chief Awolowo in the first and second republics, by giving financial support to the party and alsoparticipating in mobilizing the voters. This support, may party explain the sense of belonging extended to Yoruba by the Plateau State third republic governor, Sir. Fidelis Tapgun.The annulment of the election, that would have produced one of their own as Executive President, turned the independenceand unity of Nigeria to a mirage for Yoruba in Jos. This ledto breakdown of law and order, that not less than fifty Yoruba families left Jos for their various home states in the south west Nigeria. This annulment created new enemies in the Hausa-Fulani for the Yoruba. It re-opened the first republic hostility, and the public aside of Chief Earnest Shonekan, by Gen. Sani Abacha was not as proper by Yoruba inJos.

Attempts by General Abacha to kill five respected Yoruba military generals further created fear and deflated the legitimacy of the Abacha regime. The Yoruba Generals namely;Oladipo, Diya, Tajudeen, Olarenwaju and six others were falsely accused of planning to overthrow the illegitimate regime of General Abacha. These officers were tried in Jos, pronounced guilty and serving jail term in Jos prison. Soon after their own, was the trial and conviction of general Obasanjo for a similar offence. Obasanjo was brought to Jos prison. It became an added sorrow for the Yoruba, in Jos, wondering if staying together as country is worth the sacrifice.However, a ray of hope came when Gen. Sani Abacha died and there was jubilation that Abiola may be called upon to form government. While waiting for that, Abiola too was announceddead by the government. So the hope of a Yoruba becoming thepresident was battered. The new arrangement made after Abacha’s death produced Gen. Obasanjo as the PDP Candidate. He won the party primaries at the Peoples Democratic Party convention in Jos after defeating the second republic Vice President.Obasanjo won the presidential election, under the chairmanship of Chief (Dr.) Solomon D. Lar, who strongly believed that power must shift from the North to the South. The power shift was manifested in the circulation and wearing of Yoruba traditional cap as against the Hausa cap.JOS TODAYThis did not go down well with the cabals who wanted to retain power in the regime. We can then understand the sudden reawakening of ethno-religious crisis in Plateau.Before the crises, the Yoruba dominated the Nasarawa Gwom area of the city, share Dilimi and Gangare areas with the Hausa/Fulani Community. Social life in those areas, were typical of the Yoruba social cultural. Today, every crisis at the slightest opportunity, Yoruba become the Object of attack by the Hausa/Fulani who delight in looting propertiesof other ethnic nationalities.Yoruba houses in Nasarawa Gwom area of Jos have been looted and set on fire. Now they offer to buy those houses at

ridiculous prices these Yoruba, have no option than to sell them to these same people. They have taken over the whole ofNasarawa, Bauchi Road, Dilimi and Gagare. Most of the Yorubahave no abode anymore.We have many cases of these heartless hausa/Fulani who maimed their fellow humans at no provocation. The Dare family is very popular in Jos, with a bungalow built in Nasarawa Gwom. One of them, Abraham Dare a 1985 graduate of Agric Economics from University of Ibadan, was axed to deathby his neighbors of thirty years, simply because he said they were not selling their house. At the end of the day, the house was set ablaze.

What shall we say of those who have lived all their lives on the Plateau, built houses, and lost them to the crisis without any compensation? The most pathetic is that of Professor Warisu Oyeshina Alli, who came to Jos as a youth corps member in 1981 with a Ph.D from Soviet Union. Hedecided to stay in Jos, built a fine house, brought up his children in Jos, but lost the house within two hours, as they set fire on it.

Now Nasarawa, Dilimi, Bauchi Road, Gangare and Ango Rogo areas are no more no go areas for non Hausas in Jos, but the painful aspect is that the Yoruba lost all they havelabored and gathered for over five decades. Some have returned home without anything to show for there stay on thePlateau, while some are trying to start life all over again.Ogunsuyi (2010)

CONCLUSION Yoruba in Northern Nigeria made sacrifice to see Nigeria obtain independence, they expected a United Nigeria where equity, justice and foul-play would reign, but every step taken, the expected best was never experienced: They had good social relationship with the natives, but the Hausa/Fulani see them as giving support for the natives, hence frustrating their (Hausa) move to reestablish a Hausa/Fulani dominated northern Nigeria.Without adequate government compensation it may difficult for Yoruba in Jos to reinvest, or have confidence in any

government that would want to encourage them to have faith in the project Nigeria.

Refrences

Adeyi, Ezekiel Major (2004) Politics of Emancipation—The Struggles of Solomon Daushep Lar Abuja Alubo,O (2004) Citizenship and Nation making inNigeria: New Challenges and contestations in Identity, culture, and politics vol. 5,nos1&5 Anifowoshe,Remi (1982) Violence and politics in Nigeria Enugu NOK. Awolowo Obafemi (1957) Forward to a New Nigeria Western Region Information service Dudley B (1968) Parties and politics in NorthernNigeria Frank Cass New York Humanities Press Golwa J. (1982) What Lar has done for us. Ministry of Information publication Jos. Gofwen R (2004) Religious conflict in Northern Nigeria and Nation Building. Human Right Monitor Kaduna IDEA (2004) Democracy in Nigeria: Continuing Dialogue for nation building Series no 10 IFES Lagos Morel E.D (1964) Nigeria: Its people and its problem. 3rd edition Cass Library of African Studies LondonFrank CassOladosu S. (1981) Kaduna Essays in Local Government KadunaOjiaku James (1983) Nigeria: yesterday, today and ?Africana Educational Publishers OnitshaOtite O (2000) Ethnic pluralism and ethnicity in Nigeria. Shanedon Ltd IbadanPaden J (1986) Ahamadu Bello--- Sadauna of Sokoto Hudatuda publishing company Zaria.Suberu R. (1996) Ethnic minority, conflict and Governance in Nigeria. Ibadan SpectrumTyoden S.G(1993) The Middle Belt in Nigeria Politics. AHA Publishing house Jos

Sha D.P (1993) The settler question and the future of inter-ethnic relations in Jos. JosShut T (2005) Ethnicity and settler question in Jos and environ. Mono Expressions Ltd JosYahaya,A.D (1989) The development of state in the process of transformation: The implication for political . Science. 1st annual lecture of NPSA

Interviews

Pa Adedokun Samuel was the treasurer of Action Group in plateau area from 1957 to 1961.Pa Gabriel Adetona was a former chairman of Yoruba communityin Jos Pa David Akano was a prominent Yoruba leader in Dorowa Babuje , a mining settlement on the Jos plateau.Pa Samuel Afolabi was a prominent member of second republic Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) in plateau state.Pa Joseph Babalola was the Manager of Baptist Mission Schools for several years.Chief Babatude Fashetire was a member of the Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria, and an elected Councilor in Jos Local Government CouncilChief Toye Ogunsuyi is the President General of Yoruba community in Plateau state. He was a member of the Action Group, Unity Party of Nigeria, and Alliance for Democracy inplateau state.Chief Solomon Lar, the first civilian Governor of old Plateau State, was the only surviving first republic member of parliament from the old plateau division. He was the pioneer national chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).