“Yoruba Identity Is Not for Sale”: Outspoken Mr. Macaroni Denounces Political Hijacking of Heritage

 

A fiery declaration by a self-proclaimed proud Mr. Macaroni has ignited fresh debates about the intersection of ethnic identity and political allegiance in Nigeria. The statement, which has been making rounds on social media, passionately rejects any conflation between Yoruba heritage and loyalty to a specific political party, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC).

With words dripping in cultural pride and ancestral conviction, the young man boldly asserts his Yoruba identity, distancing it from any political affiliation. "Finally, I AM A PROUD YORUBA BOY!!!" he proclaims, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply with many Nigerians who view their ethnic heritage as a sacred inheritance, not a political tool.

His voice, raw with frustration and resolve, cuts through the online noise. He insists that his ancestry is not only solid but traceable—an ancestral pride that forms the cornerstone of his cultural identity. This, he says, is a birthright many who claim to be Yoruba cannot confidently assert.

"Something most of you masquerading as Yoruba cannot say!" the statement reads, in a direct jab at those who, in his view, exploit Yoruba identity for political gain. He accuses such individuals of desecrating the culture by tying it too closely to political narratives, thereby undermining the richness and independence of Yoruba heritage.

There’s a growing tension between cultural pride and political alignment in Nigeria, especially in regions like the South-West where ethnic identity often plays a significant role in political discourse. For this speaker, however, Yoruba identity stands alone—unshackled, uncorrupted, and certainly not to be equated with any political party.

“The Yoruba heritage will never be enslaved to politics,” he declares firmly. “Before APC or any other political party in Nigeria, Yoruba has been and will continue to be even after!”

This statement, while emotionally charged, underscores a broader concern among cultural purists and historians: that ethnic legacies are being diluted in the fray of political partisanship. For some, political affiliation is increasingly mistaken as a measure of cultural authenticity, a trend this young man adamantly rejects.

His refusal to be labeled as "less Yoruba" for not supporting the APC reflects a sentiment shared by a growing number of young Nigerians who feel politically alienated yet deeply rooted in their cultural backgrounds. He offers no apologies for his political stance and calls out what he perceives as a dangerous narrative: that to be Yoruba is to support APC, or vice versa.

“APC IS NOT YORUBA AND YORUBA IS NOT APC!!!” he states in bold defiance—a phrase that has since caught fire online, becoming something of a slogan among like-minded individuals.

Observers note that his outburst, while personal, touches on the larger issue of cultural gatekeeping—who decides who belongs and who doesn't. His critique reveals a fear that ethnic identity is being redefined by partisan politics, eroding the broader sense of unity that Yoruba culture has long prided itself on.

Many have applauded the message, describing it as a timely reminder of the need to safeguard cultural identities from being swallowed up by political agendas. Others, however, argue that cultural and political loyalties have always been intertwined, especially in Nigeria’s complex sociopolitical landscape.

Nonetheless, the message is loud and clear: cultural identity is not a political pawn, and no political party, no matter how dominant, holds the right to define what it means to be Yoruba.

Whether seen as a personal rant or a political awakening, this statement has sparked necessary conversations across the South-West and beyond. It calls into question the current trajectory of ethnic politics and invites a return to the foundational pride of one’s roots—independent, dignified, and unbought.

 [Source]