REGIONAL AGITATION AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIO-POLITICAL STABILITY IN NIGERIA.

Author Name: 1. Abayomi Babatunde FAKOLUJO

Volume/Issue: 07/02

Country: Nigeria

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/09.2026-63117278/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Department of Social Science Education, Faculty of Education, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. Ondo state, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT

This study examined regional agitation and its impact on sociopolitical stability in Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study: the factors responsible for regional agitations among Igbo and Yoruba nations, the Yoruba’s and Igbo’s level of awareness of regional agitations, IPOB and the Yoruba nation’s agitations for regional autonomy have an influence on political stability in Nigeria and the different strategies adopted by the Igbo and Yoruba agitators. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study population covered all Yoruba and Igbo residents in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State. A sample of two hundred (200) respondents was randomly selected for the study through the use of a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The findings revealed that inequitable injustice in the administrative, political, social, and economic configurations in the existing federal structure is the major factor responsible for regional agitations among the Igbo and Yoruba nations. Second, they revealed that, due to a weak institutional system and corruption in the current system, political stability in Nigeria has been affected. Thirdly, revealed that the issue of resource control and equity in the distribution of national wealth is the greatest medium through which the Yoruba and Igbo are aware of regional agitations. Finally, the study revealed that one major strategy adopted by the Igbo and Yoruba agitators is the establishment of electronic media and other social media platforms to make their agitation known. Based on the study's findings, it was recommended that, to end this agitation and achieve stable political stability, there should be equality, justice, and fairness in the administrative, political, social, and economic configurations within the existing federal structure. In addition, the issue of resource control and equal distribution of national wealth should be addressed, and there should be a balance in the distribution of national resources and political appointments across all regions and tribes. Government institutions must be more responsive to their tasks and functions, and their level of corruption in the current system should be minimised, if not eradicated.

Key words: Political Stability, Regional Agitation, Biafra, Oduduwa.