shymmex:

I disagree with the bolded part. Itsekiri land is yoruba land - and Yorubas own at least 80% of the Bight of Benin - and the other 20% belongs to the Ijaws.

You are a big thief....when did itshekiri call themselves yoruba ...just wait some of them will come in here and perforarate your bogus claims. Oh you dey eye warri Oyel abi?

I do not pray for a break up Nigeria.However, in case of violent break up there wont be time for mushroom countries as many will be swept aside and alignment between groups will determine what number of countries will ensue. Many smaller groups will be swept away into bigger groups but they can negotiate later,maybe after crises for a greater autonomy.
I believe the Itsekiri(not just this group alone but also the present Edo state,Urhobo, Isoko and some parts of Bariba in the north Ebira, maybe all or parts of Igala and possibly western Ijaw) will align with the West in a Commonwealth/Federal structures and the Yoruba country will be the easiest for any group to realize their liberty or will if they negotiate well. This is because possible alternatives may be too harsh for these groups take for instance, a proliferated Niger Delta groups may find nationhood difficult to attain except there is a common enemy to align against.Secondly, the obvious alternative of Igbo country may be too weighty an alternative and considering the enmity already existing between the Delta minorities, the Itsekiri will have to scamp for safety with the mainstream Yoruba to be safe.Also it will be a way not to lose anything economically in terms of investments this group have in the west and to also have a more powerful supports in safe guarding their current infrastructures in Warri and itsekiriland. I see an Itsekiri state or region in Yoruba country as semi autonomous state just like Ekiti, Ikale/Ilaje(Oluwa), Ondo, Ijesa, Igbomina, Okun, Osun, Oke Ogun, Ibadan, Ife, Akoko, Bini,Afemai, Ebira,Ibarapa,Oyan,Oya,Ijebu-Remo, Yewa-Awori, Eko(Lagos), Igala, Bariba, Urhobo-Isoko and Oyo. There could also be some autonomous principalities within these states as Ikaland, Isoko(as stated),Tapa(Nupe in kwara state) and so on.

How am I so sure? nation states are formed not just out of emotions or feelings but also for safety , identity, and prosperities and looking at all options(however not exhaustible) these groups mentioned can gain more than they do presently in Nigeria by controlling much or all their resources and taking advantage of a more peaceful and multi-ethnic society in which they will be recognized and not just exploited. My take