Type | Journal Article - The Social Science Journal |
Title | Minorization of the Majority: The Politics of Ekiti State Creation and the Limits of Homogeneity Thesis in Nigeria |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 40 |
Issue | 3 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2014 |
Page numbers | 315-321 |
URL | http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/JSS/JSS-40-0-000-14-Web/JSS-40-3-14-Abst-PDF/JSS-40-3-315-14-1653-Olaniyan-A-O/JSS-40-3-315-14-1653-Olaniyan-A-O-Tx[3].pdf |
Abstract | Studies on intra-ethnic relations among the sub-ethnic groups in Nigeria have observed that allegations and counter claims of marginalization and domination among the groups within states are rife. In some paradoxical instances, numerically superior groups allege domination and subjugation by the minorities dominated. This paper, using the agitation for the creation of Ekiti state as a case study, examines the specter of minorization of the majority in the struggle for state creation in Nigeria. The study observes that in spite of its superiority in the areas of demography, education, landmass and homogeneity, Ekiti became marginalized and excluded by the groups who are in the minority. But no sooner than the state was created for them than in-fighting started. This study examines the factors contributing to this paradox. Specifically, the paper concludes that numerically superior groups could become minorities in the context of the latter’s ability to control power or influence power control through possession of economic resources over the numerical majority a democratic setting. This is what we term “a special case minority”. |
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