Browsing by Author "Olaniyi, R."

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Approaching the study of the Yoruba Diaspora in Northern Nigeria
(University of Rochester Press, 2006) Olaniyi, R.
Child Labour and Nigeria’s Informal Economy since the 1990s
(Humanities Publishers, 2005) Olaniyi, R.
Diaspora is Not Like Home a Social And Economic History of Yoruba in Kano, 1912-1999
(LINCOM GmbH, 2008) Olaniyi, R.
Yoruba migration to Kano was shaped both by social and economic reality of the British colonial rule and trajectories of the post-colonial state. In Kano, the wider opportunity for the advancement of commercial frontier attracted generations of Yoruba traders, artisans, entrepreneurs and professionals. This book articulates the historical process that led to the evolution as well as the consolidation of the Yoruba commercial diaspora in Kano. Three interconnected themes: migration, entrepreneurship and intergroup relations in a commercial diaspora were systematically pursued in this work. All through the trajectory, the book has reconstructed the historical metamorphosis of the Yoruba trading diaspora chronologically from colonial period to the post-colonial era and, by extension, part of the commercial history of modern Kano. In 1912, Yoruba commerce in Kano entered a- new phase from the socio-cultural bases already established in the pre-colonial economy. Linder the British rule, Yoruba identity in Kano was dramatically transformed to become “non-natives” or “strangers." The British used diverse measures including stereotype, criminalisation and ethnic segregation to control Yoruba migration to Kano. Resentment and criminalisation were used to segregate and exclude the Yoruba from the mainstream Kano society. In this respect.- ethnic relations were mediated by colonial encounter. Colonialism challenged the migrants’ identity and self-understanding. The r transformative effects of this challenge redefined inter-ethnic relations to produce new imbalances, crystallisation of communal identities and social cohesion. As such, inter-ethnic rivalry sustained the British rule and remained pervasive in the post-colonial context. The intriguing feature of ethnic segregation as model of state structure and development provided stimulus for diaspora identity. Despite the control measures, the groundnut export and urbanisation processes in Kano influenced the greater proportion of Yoruba migration within the framework of kinship linkages. But Yoruba traders encountered structural disadvantages in the commodity trade. Commercially, Yoruba women were among the active traders whose entrepreneurial activities linked the rural markets with the urban economy and stimulated income and distribution of Kano made goods. From 1985 and up to 1999, a downward trend was recorded in Yoruba enterprise in Kano due to economic contraction and urban crises. The methodology for this study was primarily empirical in approach: In-depth oral interviews, research visits to neighbourhoods, fact finding surveys made on individuals, organisations and institutions as data sources in an interactive manner. The emphasis on field experience and broader interviews across ethnic, occupational and gender categories facilitated the validation of data collected and interpretation ensured that the analysis was a product of communal reflections. In this study, it has been found that ethnicity was fundamental in social and economic networks through which commerce was undertaken. The overriding value of Yoruba ethnic identity in Kano was the creation of a socio-economic community that allocated productive resources in the employment of labour, capital mobilisation, entrepreneurship and social security. The recreation and reorganisation of ethnic associations were largely influenced by successful entrepreneurs who played significant leadership roles. However, social functions restricted entrepreneurial investment in commercial activities. The study has examined the survival strategy employed by the Yoruba in combating incorporation and exclusion prism that curtailed, challenged or encouraged their commercial activities. As a trading community, the Yoruba used their flexible identity, professional skills and religions (both Christianity and Islam) for commercial success. The special skills of the entrepreneurs and complimentary commercial roles of artisans had led to the transfer of technical skills, improved craft industry, urban development, stimulated income and growth of markets, and tho over increasing urban population that provided the much needed skilled labour tor tho expanding industries. Yoruba enterprise generated labour supply, provided employment and above all, contributed to the process of capital accumulation Indeed, the special skills and complementary commercial roles of the Yoruba Christians constituted an invaluable asset to their acceptance among the Muslim host community Many of the Yoruba Muslim migrant households have been complotely absorbed into the cultural and religious values of Kano. Closely connected to this, is the fact that, many of the unassimllatod younger gemmation of tho Muslim Yoruba Migrants developed a plural identity As n consequence, tho commercial diaspora produced a hybrid generation namely; the Kano Yoruba, who had a stronger sentiment for the hosl community. Empirically, the two ethnic groups (Hausa and Yoruba) still retain many of tho loan words borrowed from each other’s languages for Islamic, commercial, equestrian and sundry matters. These extensive social network and marital linkages had facilitated ethnic harmony and hospitality. A remarkable aspect of this study is the discussion on tho ambivalent Hausa and Yoruba relations namely: economic competition on one hand and cultural constraints of identity on the other hand. Yoruba commercial activities in Kano have occasioned stress and suspicion generated considerably by economic competition. Some of the riots in Kano from 1953 to 1999 were caused by socio-political problems with devastating consequences on Kano economy most especially, state of insecurity of investment, tho fear of looting, wanton destruction of lives and economic gains, and tho exodus of migrant artisans and entrepreneurs. Some of the Yoruba experienced economic dislocation. Hence, they liquidated their businesses and or relocated to their places of origin or other commercial cities in Nigeria. The study concludes that Yoruba enterprise in Kano contributed to the transmission of technical skills among different communities and the transformation of modern Kano as a commercial metropolis in Nigeria. Without family connections and support network in a competitive context, Yoruba diaspora became ethnically assertive in terms of associational life. Thus, in the process, diaspora identity restricted the prospect of integration of the migrants into the host community.
Economic Crises and Child Trafficking in Nigeria: A Comparative Analysis of the 1930s and 1990s
(2009) Olaniyi, R.
Economic History of Ibadan, 1830-1930
(Institute of African Studies, 2015) Olaniyi, R.
Federalism, oil politics and human security in Nigeria
(UNILA G journal of politics, 2015) Simbine, A.T.; Aiyede, E.R.; Olaniyi, R.; |Fagge, M.A.
This paper investigates how the institution of federalism and the deeply conflictual issue of natural resource exploitation are implicated in the drive for human security in Nigeria. The paper links the literature on geographical determinants of conflicts and violence with the literature on the political determinants of conflict and violence by exploring the institution of federalism as a framework for addressing human security problems in the context of a natural resource driven economy. The paper argues that political institutions are central to achieving human security; therefore, the human security concept must incorporate and account for political institutions for it to address the domestic dimension of the issues. In the Nigerian case, as well as other fragile states, an engagement with federalism as a tool for conflict management, post-conflict reconstruction and guaranteed stability is essential. External human security intervention must take into account the institutional architecture of the state in order for it to promote institution building and sustainability. In such a situation, state institutions and agencies must be recognised and utilized alongside non-state, non-formal organisations in order to avoid the fostering of disengagement or reinforcement of a shadow state which may further undermine state legitimacy and deepen existing distrust between state and citizens.
Human Migration, Conflict, Security and Sustainable Development
(University of Ibadan Centre for Sustainable Development, 2012) Olaniyi, R.
Identity and Solidarity in a Yoruba Diaspora: The Egbe Omo Oduduwa in Northern Nigeria, 1948-1966
(Department of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2013) Olaniyi, R.
Mapping the activities of Faith-Based Organisations in Development in Nigeria
(2010) Odumosu, O.; Alonge, S.; Olaniyi, R.
This paper is an outcome of the Religions and Development Research Programme in Nigeria. The rationale for this study is that the nature, scale and activities of faith- based organisations (FBOs) are poorly understood and documented in Nigeria. The aim of the study was, thus, to undertake a mapping exercise of the nature, scale and activities of FBOs in development in Nigeria. The objectives are: (a) To increase awareness of the nature and scale of faith-based contributions to development in Nigeria, (b) To provide the necessary background and contextual information for further studies under other components of the RaD research programme, helping those involved to prepare detailed research proposals and to select geographical locations, faith traditions and FBOs for further study. The methodological approach included the review of documented evidence and structured interviews. The study is of a qualitative character seeking to identify nature, scale, location and activities of faith-based organisations through in-depth interviews with representatives of umbrella organisations and key informants from faith groups. The survey revealed that the number of registered and active FBOs is limited in Nigeria. However, the active ones can be found in almost all the states of the federation, or at the least, in every geopolitical zone of the country. It also revealed that a high proportion of religious organisations provide some human services. Most of the FBOs mobilise and rely on deeply engaged volunteers rather than paid staff, thus delivering services more efficiently than other providers. The key advantage of FBOs is that they have better access to volunteers, which could be used to expand their role in delivering social services. The faith-based organisations also have the advantage that they are located in communities where services are needed. They are also involved in informal networks (e.g., cooperating, coordinating, and working together with other organisations). These increase their delivery of human services. FBOs often have a direct impact on social institutions, such as schools, which socialise people and change values over time. In addition, their jurisdiction often includes a number of areas such as morality, beliefs about the spiritual bases of disease, rules of family life and sexual activity. FBOs are also very active in practical areas of poverty reduction, providing income-generating programmes for members. The paper concludes that, generally, little research has been done on specific operational issues affecting FBOs activities in development. There is need for case studies to specifically examine FBO programmes and their impact, and here longitudinal studies could greatly contribute to the study of an effort primarily oriented toward a long-term horizon. There is also the need to find out if faith-based organisations bring distinctive advantages to community development. The issued could be readily addressed by comparing faith-based and secular organisations active in community development.
Nationalist Movement in a Multi-Ethnic Community of Sabongari Kano
(Gidan Makama Museum, 2003) Olaniyi, R.
Nigerian Immigrants and Xenophobic Violence in South Africa
(Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, 2009) Olaniyi, R.
The author argues that in many parts of Africa identity-politics and "nativist" narratives link migration to crime by making mobility a contentious political issue. This study exemplifies this by examining the experiences and adaptation of Nigerian migrants in South Africa and the confrontation with xenophobic violence this frequently involves. In South Africa, stereotypic reproduction represents the past in the present within the context of nation- building and contradictions of "African Renaissance "Despite the leading roles Nigeria and South Africa are playing in African politics and business, the xenophobia against African immigrants undermines the prospect of regional and continental development.
No way out: the trafficking of women in Nigeria
(2003) Olaniyi, R.
Ordering Urban Space and Migrants’ Protests in Sabongari, Kano, 1911 - 1960
(First Academic Publishers, 2011) Olaniyi, R.
Urban segregation policy represents one of the dramatic changes fostered by colonialism with far reaching impact on politics of protests and identity consciousness among immigrants. It is argued that despite the considerable body of interdisciplinary studies that the theme of urban segregation generated, urban historiography in Nigeria has been influenced by the paradigms of Universalist ethic ofpublic health and political development to the exclusion of power structures. The paper theorises on politics of protests, search for identity and resistance of the subalterns and migrants in Sabongari Kano against colonial policies to control over-urbanisation processes between 1911 and 1960. Plot Holders’ Association, Sabongari resisted attempts by the colonial officials to demolish over-built and over- populated plots without due regards to livelihoods, taxation, family values, and indeed, the Building Ordinance that came into existence almost two decades after such buildings were constructed. In British Africa, urban segregation policies such as Sabongari system were predicated on public health, religious and cultural differences but there were political and economic interests as well. The paper further explores how colonial segregation policy in Sabongari fostered over-urbanisation illustrated by overcrowding, poor sanitation, infectious diseases, unemployment, prostitution, overstressed social infrastructure and crime unequalled in the Kano urban complex.
The Pan-African Nation: Oil and the Spectacle of Culture in Nigeria
(The University of Chicago Press, 2008) Olaniyi, R.
‘Pay Back Time’: Ethno-religious Violence in Nigeria, 1999-2004.
(The Ford Foundation, 2005) Olaniyi, R.
Depuis le retour a un regime civil en 1999, la translocation du genocide reciproque sous forme de violence ethno-religieuse a ravage des communautes au Nigeria. Les hostilites et I’intolerance sont en augmentation, et les attaques de represailles se multiplient. Cette periode a connu /’agitation de la jeunesse, la resurgence de milices ethniques, religieuses et politiques, d’armees privees ainsi que de mercenaires recrutes dans les pays voisins usant d’armes sophistiquees pour un carnage massif. Entre 1999 et 2004, plus de 1000 affrontements communaux ont eu lieu faisant plus de 50 000 morts, et plus d’un million de citoyens interieurement deplaces, et des milliards de Nairas perdus par les victimes et par l’economic locale. Les points traditionnels de violence ont continue de faire I’objet de carnage regulier, tandis que des zones qui etaient jusque la relativement paisibles se sont transformees en champs de bataille, comme on I’a constate dans I’Etat du Plateau. Cet article soutient que la translocation de la violence ethno-religieuse a mis en lumiere la fragilite de la Nation nigeriane, la faiblesse du constitutionalisme tel qu’il se rapporte au principe de citoyennete et la militarisation accrue des identites ethno-religieuses. II conclut que la spirale de violence ethno-religieuse etait caracterisee par un debordement des conflits mais une telle violence avait des questions saillantes, notamment le contrdle des ressources, la dichotomie indigene/ colonisateur, un espace politique contracts, l’exclusion sociale et les reponses a la recession economique.
The Political Economy of Hausa and Yoruba Conflicts, 1999-2004
(University Press PLC, 2011) Olaniyi, R.
Religion, Ethics and Attitudes towards Corruption in Nigeria: A Historiographical Review
(Nigrian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), 2011) Aiyede, E. R.; Simbine, A. T.; Fagge, M. A.; Olaniyi, R.
This study reviews the literature on corruption as it relates to religion in Nigeria. It explores corruption as a concept from its most popular usage to the official government position. It also explores the types and character of corruption and presents a historiography of the problem of corruption in colonial and postcolonial Nigeria. The ways corruption has been problematised in religious discourse, from the perspectives of African traditional religion, Christianity and Islam, paying attention to the transformations in these religions as they interact and influence one another and new religious movements are also examined. Additionally, it engages the debate on culture, religion, tradition and modernity in the dynamics of corruption in Nigeria. Further it engages the anti-corruption enterprise in Nigeria and the role of faith-based organisations in it. It argues that corruption in a heterogeneous and multi-religious post-colonial society like Nigeria must be conceived as a complex phenomenon that cannot be limited to a legal, political or economic concept. The concept goes beyond the idea of right and wrong, legal and illegal, socially acceptable or socially disapproved behaviour, abuse or misuse of power and touches on complex interactions through which we make sense of notions of good and evil. That is why it relates essentially to religion. Religion in Nigeria is, in the same vein a complex phenomenon of belief systems, not just in terms of people being exposed to multiple faith systems but also in terms of people espousing principles that straddle several religious opinions and beliefs that appear unlikely to sit together. The ways the apparent opposites mingle as people encounter social and material situations challenge us to adopt a methodology that is interpretative, sensitive to and grounded in empirical data in any engagement with religion and corruption
Review of Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement ofBlack Americans From the Civil War to World War II.
(Kennesaw State University Press, 2008) Olaniyi, R.
Review of The Nupe and the Origins and Evolution of the Yoruba
(2008) Olaniyi, R.
“We Asked for Workers but Human Beings Came”: A Critical Assessment of Policies on Immigration and Human Trafficking in the European Union
(cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2009) Olaniyi, R.
Globalization has transformed migratory flows, immigration policies, and citizenship. This chapter examines the intractable challenges of migration and human trafficking from a new perspective: the politics of immigration characterized by restriction of entry, containment, and selection. It argues that globalization and the new immigration policies ensure that only an elite group of highly-skilled migrants enter the European Union (EU) while the poor are encouraged to stay in their own countries. At the same time, there is growing demand for cheap (skilled and unskilled) labor in catering, hotel, and seasonal employment through the back door which provides a market for human traffickers and allows unscrupulous employers to pay low wages. The chapter examines these developments as well as new employment legislations targeted at those who give jobs to those without papers.