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Pastoralism and politics of exclusion in Ibarapa, Oyo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The pastoral Fulani in Nigeria’s South-West geo-political zone are mostly migrants from the northern part of the country, with some hailing from neighbouring Chad and Niger. This article examines the concept of social exclusion with regards to access to the dividends of democracy in Ibarapa, Oyo State, Nigeria. Interviews were conducted with 22 selected participants, including six Fulani men, six Fulani women, four opinion leaders from Fulani communities, and four from host communities, as well as two government officials. Data was analysed using content and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the scarce dividends of democracy are distributed to the exclusion of the Fulani due to their status as settlers. The Fulani feel cheated of their rights, even though they vote responsibly during elections. The host communities feel the Fulani are not entitled to the dividends of democracy because they are settlers and thus should return to their homeland. This has promoted division between the settlers and indigenes despite them living side by side. There is a need for the appropriate authorities to ensure the equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy in the study area, so as to engender equity and social justice, and to promote the feeling of belonging and togetherness between settlers and indigenes.