Yorùbá Muslim Engagement with Contemporary Òòduà Nationalism in Nigeria

Résumé

The resurgence of of Yoruba nationalism, particularly the Oodua secessionist project, raises complex questions of identity, political authority, and religious pluralism in Nigeria. This study examines Yoruba Muslim perceptions of the movement, showing how Islamic ethical principles, historical marginalisation, and engagement with Yoruba cultural identity shape responses. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with Yoruba Muslim leaders and scholars in south-western Nigeria, data were analysed thematically within Social Identity Theory. Findings reveal that Yoruba Muslims assess the agitation through unity (wahdah), public welfare (al-masalih al mursalah), obididient to legitimate authority (ta'at al-imam), avoidance of disorder (fitnah), and the broader higher objectives of Islamic law (maqasid as-shari'ah). While recognising political grievances, Muslims are sceptical towards secession due to religious exclusion, prioritisation of ethnicity over Islamic universalism, potential social destabilisation, and syncretic Yoruba religious practices. The paper concludes that there is a need for inclusive reforms, respect for Muslim monotheistic practices, and non-violent advocacy by all Oodua agitators. The study contributes to the body of scholarship on Yoruba nationalism and Islamic practices by showing that Muslims' resistance to Oodua secessionist project is principled, ethically grounded, and faith-informed.