Tag: Yoruba Nation

‘Afenifere opposes Yoruba secession from Nigeria’ – Says the call is unwarranted
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‘Afenifere opposes Yoruba secession from Nigeria’ – Says the call is unwarranted

Labeling the request for Yoruba separation from Nigeria as unnecessary, undesirable, and self-serving, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political group, Afenifere, has expressed its disapproval. In a recent statement, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, criticized the stance taken by Professor Banji Akintoye, leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, and Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho. They had sent a letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to establish a negotiation team to facilitate the exit of Yoruba people from Nigeria within two months. Afenifere highlighted that the challenges faced by the Yoruba community and Nigeria at large are primarily due to governance issues rather than ethnic differences. The group emphasized that the root cause of the strug...
Jamiu Abiola declares lack of support from family for Yoruba Nation agitators
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Jamiu Abiola declares lack of support from family for Yoruba Nation agitators

In a conversation with DANIEL AYANTOYE, Jamiu Abiola, the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President, discusses the declaration for a sovereign nation of the Yoruba people by his late father's widow, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola. Regarding the calls for a sovereign Yoruba nation, what is your perspective on this issue? Such demands are not uncommon in countries as vast and diverse as Nigeria. Similar sentiments exist even in the United States where some do not support the country's union for various reasons. However, like in the United States, these individuals are a minority in Nigeria and their impact is negligible. Your late father's widow, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, recently proclaimed the Yoruba Nation in a widely circulate...
Commissioner labels attack on Oyo secretariat as treasonable felony
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Commissioner labels attack on Oyo secretariat as treasonable felony

In an interview with AJIBADE OMAPE, the Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism in Oyo state, Dotun Oyelade, shares insights on the recent assault on the state secretariat by Yoruba nation agitators. What might have incited the recent attack on the Oyo state secretariat? Our perception is that apart from the misguided nature of the protest, the triggering factor could be an individual with persuasive skills and financial resources. This hasty action reflects the influence of such an individual. Prompt action was taken by the government in response, with suspects arraigned just two days after the incident. This illustrates our government's proactive stance. While caught off guard initially, we swiftly acted from the moment it occurred on Saturday. How ...
Message from Ooni on Unity
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Message from Ooni on Unity

Highlighting the importance of unity, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, reminded Nigerians to avoid actions that may divide the nation, emphasizing the need to uphold the unity envisioned by the country's founding leaders. Encouraging the celebration of cultural diversity as a unifying factor, Oba Ogunwusi shared his thoughts during the grand finale of the annual Amasekumo festival of the Gbaramatu people in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. Praising the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, HRM Oboro Gbaraun II, for preserving his people's cultural heritage, the Ooni, who serves as the co-chairman of the Traditional Council in Nigeria, stressed the importance of embracing the nation's diverse cultural richness. He expressed, "Our strength lies in our heritage an...
Call for Suspension of Yoruba Nation Agitation by Oduduwa Group
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Call for Suspension of Yoruba Nation Agitation by Oduduwa Group

In a recent development, the Oduduwa Development Initiative has urged for theady suspension of the Yoruba Nation agitation, emphasizing the importance of working together for the progress of Nigeria. Following the invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat in the Agodi area of Ibadan by Yoruba Nation agitators led by Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, widow of late MKO Abiola, the National President of the group, Akinyele Olasunbo, made this call. The agitators, dressed in military attire and armed, tried to raise their flag on the premises of the state House of Assembly within the secretariat. Reportedly, 29 members of the group have been arrested by the Oyo State Police command, and the state government has demolished a building where the agitators were operati...
Yoruba Nation Agitators’ Base Demolished by Court Order
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Yoruba Nation Agitators’ Base Demolished by Court Order

A building believed to be the hideout of Yoruba Nation agitators in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, was demolished by the government following a court order. The state government took action on Tuesday, demolishing the buildings used by Yoruba Nation agitators who had entered the state Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan on April 7, 2024. Speaking at the demolished sites in areas like Shagari, Toye Oyesola Street, and Boluwaji, the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, William Akin-Funmilayo, emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining peace and security. Residents were urged to report any suspicious activities promptly to the authorities for necessary action. According to the...
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The demolition of Onitiri-Abiola’s houses was carried out based on a court order, says Oyo government

The Oyo State government has provided justification for the demolition of properties linked to alleged backers of the recent invasion of the State Secretariat on Saturday. Speaking on Thursday, Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development William Akin-Funmilayo explained that the demolition was carried out in accordance with court orders. Reports from NewsNow highlighted that the state government razed the structures belonging to Onitiri-Abiola, who is suspected to have played a role in the invasion. In a statement released to NewsNow, Akin-Funmilayo disclosed that two buildings tied to the sponsors of the attack in the Shagari area, Toye Oyesola Street, Boluwaji, and Zone 4, Irorun Oluwa community in Oluyole Local Government area, Ibadan, have been demolished by the governme...
DHQ dismisses Yoruba nation agitation as comical
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DHQ dismisses Yoruba nation agitation as comical

The recent clamor for the Yoruba Nation has been labeled as laughable by the Defence Headquarters. Expressing concern, the DHQ also revealed a possible scheme by terrorists and their sympathizers to tarnish the image of the military in response to its crackdown on insurgents. In a daring move, some Yoruba Nation activists donned military attire and attempted to seize control of the Oyo State secretariat, only to be quelled by security forces, resulting in the arrest of 29 individuals. These suspects were subsequently brought before an Oyo State Magistrates’ Court in Iyaganku for prosecution. They face charges including treasonable felony, involvement in unlawful organizations, illegal possession of weapon...
Warning from Tinubu: Agitators for Yoruba Nation will face consequences
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Warning from Tinubu: Agitators for Yoruba Nation will face consequences

President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to ethnic agitators who pose a threat to Nigeria's sovereignty and unity, stating that they will be held accountable for their actions. This warning comes in the wake of Yoruba Nation agitators invading the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex in Agodi, Ibadan. A video clip circulating online shows the agitators dressed in camouflage and armed with weapons, proclaiming the independence of the ‘Democratic Republic of the Yoruba’. During a meeting with leaders of the Yoruba socio-cultural body, Afenifere, headed by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Tinubu addressed the incident. Tinubu emphasized: “Those who believe they can challenge Nigeria's sovereignty will face the consequences. “They will have to bear the consequences of their actions, and we wil...
The Demolition of House Belonging to Alleged Sponsor of Yoruba Nation Agitators by Oyo State Government
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The Demolition of House Belonging to Alleged Sponsor of Yoruba Nation Agitators by Oyo State Government

Following the recent attack on the government secretariat, the Oyo State government has demolished a building owned by Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, who is believed to be a sponsor of the Yoruba nation agitators. Over the weekend, individuals claiming to be Yoruba nation agitators attempted to take control of the House of Assembly at the Secretariat. The government's response was to demolish the building where Onitiri-Abiola reportedly made declarations in support of the Yoruba nation cause. According to reports, the demolition of the building took place on Wednesday. Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Seyi Makinde, verified the action during a conversation with journalists on Wednesday. Owoseni briefly mentioned, “For further information, please refer to the ...