What makes the Yoruba tick (8), By Sunday Adelaja

The 2023 Nigerian elections marked a pivotal moment, particularly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who navigated significant political headwinds to secure the presidency. Despite a 15-year absence from elected office and facing opposition from within his own party's leadership, Tinubu's victory serves as a compelling case study for understanding Yoruba political sagacity.

This approach to politics is characterized as deeply rooted, strategic, and pragmatic, prioritizing negotiation, maturity, patience, and diplomacy over confrontation. It emphasizes long-term interests and a calculated, non-emotional focus on achieving power. A central tenet is that power is not merely assumed but actively negotiated, often through alliances, such as those formed with the North, to enhance national influence.

Key elements of Yoruba political sagacity include a strong emphasis on elite consensus, where internal negotiations precede external actions, fostering a cohesive political front. The South-West region is maintained as a politically coordinated and economically viable base, bolstering bargaining power within Nigeria. Furthermore, traditional governance structures, like those in the Oyo Empire, incorporated institutional checks and balances, ensuring accountability through bodies such as the Oyo Mesi and the Ogboni society.

The philosophy also champions human capital development, viewing education and progress as essential for creating a forward-thinking and equitable society. This focus on modernization and "life more abundant" has historical roots, refined by figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, building upon a traditional system that balanced centralization with checks against tyranny. The practice of this sagacity involves flexibility and adeptness in navigating complex political landscapes through skillful negotiation.