Yoruba Nation Champion, Sunday Igboho has denied any involvement in the invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by suspected agitators on Saturday, April 13.
Security officials arrested 16 gunmen suspected to be members of Yoruba Nation adherents who engaged in a gun duel with security officers while dressed in military camouflage.
Igboho distanced himself from these actions, stating that he was not aware and not part of the incident.
Igboho has been out of the country after his late mother’s burial ceremony in February.
Another group ‘Ominira Yoruba/Indigenous Yoruba People’ led by Ms Modupe Onitiri Abiola, wife of late MKO Abiola was alleged to have carried out the invasion, declaring ‘Democratic Republic of Yoruba’.
In a viral video seen by The Nation, Ms. Abiola who spoke in Yoruba, was clad in a white blouse with a white headgear.
She said: “We are organised people, we are sovereign people and we will do things accordingly. We have decided to leave Nigeria and we have left since November 2022.
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“We are declaring this day that we are no longer part of this country. With the awesome power that God used to create the sky and seven clouds, moon and stars. I, Modupe Onitiri Abiola, proclaim the Democratic Republic of Yoruba.
“Yoruba has become a Nation without any opposition. It is so, it is a declaration that God has caused us to stay.
“Yoruba today, 12 April 2024 begins as a sovereign nation; and will operate as a country.”
Igboho’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq, in a statement made available to The Nation affirmed that his client stands firm in his commitment to non-violence and does not condone attacks on government property or individuals.
The statement titled: “Statement from the legal counsel of Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, said:
“1. Chief Sunday Adeyemo is not aware of, related to, nor does he endorse the reported incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, where individuals allegedly invaded the state secretariat claiming to take over the state as Yoruba Nation agitators.
“2. He categorically denounces any such actions and advises the general public not to associate him with them. Chief Sunday Adeyemo stands firm in his commitment to non-violence and does not condone attacks on government property or individuals.”
“3. He urges the public to understand that attempting to take over government facilities is unlawful and undermines the legitimate aspirations of those peacefully advocating for the Yoruba Nation. His goal remains the protection and advancement of the Yoruba people through lawful means.”
Also reacting personally, Igboho said: “It was brought to my notice, the attempted hijacking of the Oyo state assembly complex by some ‘self-acclaimed’ Oodua nation members and I’ll like to put it out there. I have no hands in that.
“Also, no Oduduwa nation member will dare attempt such. I’ll implore the state government to do due diligence on the matter and figure out the identities of these impersonators and blackmailers.”
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