Premium News
WHY WAS THE SOUTH SPLIT AND THE NORTH NOT SPLIT?
Renowned legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Solomon Asemota, has traced Nigeria’s longstanding political instability to a colonial-era decision made in 1937, when the southern portion of the country was divided into eastern and western zones, while the northern region remained untouched.
During a commemorative event honoring the late Pa Adebanio, Asemota reflected on the colonial history and said, “I came across a publication on Lord Lugard’s amalgamation. In it, Lugard recounted a moment at the club where the Secretary of State metaphorically likened the union of Nigeria to a marriage—pairing the disciplined youth of the north with the wealthy southern lady.
“He expressed hope that this union would grow into a strong federation, albeit with uncertainty about their ability to foster true unity.”
Asemota drew attention to what he believed was a deliberate imbalance introduced by the colonial government.
“When the south was later partitioned into two regions in 1937—the East and the West—without any similar treatment for the North, it marked the origin of our structural disunity,” he said.
“I’ve searched for a rationale behind this, and nothing conclusive has surfaced. The only explanation I can imagine is that it was intended to dilute the political strength of the South while consolidating power in the North. I admit I could be wrong, but reasoning leads me in that direction.”
Comparing Nigeria’s fragmented state to more unified nations, Asemota emphasized the consequences of this decision.
“Today, Nigeria consists of 36 states, one federal capital, and nearly 400 distinct ethnic communities. We are deeply segmented. Contrast that with the United States, where people from every corner of the globe coexist under a shared national identity. Despite their diversity, their responses and national behaviour show greater cohesion.”
Hear him speak: “But eventually, in 1937, the south was split into two; the east and west, that was the beginning of our problem. Why was the south split, and the north was not split?
“I tried to find out, but I can’t find any reason except to concoct one myself—that they wanted a weaker south and a stronger north. I’m not too sure I’m correct, but logic tells me that’s what happened.”
