A group claiming affiliation with the Yoruba nation movement faced a swift crackdown on Saturday as they attempted to seize control of the Oyo House of Assembly complex. The incident, marked by masked men dressed in Army camouflage and armed with rifles, sent shockwaves through the area, prompting security forces to respond with tear gas and arrests.
The men, estimated to number at least 20, strategically positioned themselves at various points around the Secretariat, with some stationed at the governor’s office entrance and others at the State House of Assembly gate and main entrance. Their presence disrupted normalcy, causing panic among residents and forcing road diversions to ensure public safety.
The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security’s efforts to calm the situation proved futile, leading to the deployment of troops from the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army. The military personnel’s timely intervention helped quell the disturbance, with some of the agitators fleeing upon their arrival.
However, the incident drew condemnation from prominent figures within the Yoruba nation movement, including Professor Banji Akintoye and Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho. Both distanced themselves from the group involved in the invasion, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful advocacy for Yoruba autonomy.
Professor Akintoye denounced the invaders’ actions, alleging that they were not aligned with the genuine interests of the Yoruba people but rather sought to disrupt peace and stability in the region. He highlighted the existence of an interim government purportedly appointed by the group, indicating their intent to seize control of governance.
Similarly, Igboho repudiated the incident, affirming his commitment to transparent and inclusive engagement in any struggle for Yoruba nationhood. He emphasized the importance of involving stakeholders and maintaining public awareness.
In a separate development, a woman identifying herself as Modupe Onitiri Abiola, claiming to represent the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, declared the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Yoruba. However, her assertions were met with skepticism and disapproval from other Yoruba leaders, who questioned her legitimacy and motives.
The aftermath of the attempted seizure saw the arrest of 18 suspects by the State Police Command, who were found in possession of weapons and paraphernalia associated with the Yoruba nation agitation. The authorities condemned the incident as criminal and vowed to prosecute those responsible, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining law and order in Oyo State.
In response to the incident, the Commissioner of Police deployed a specialized investigation team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted seizure and apprehend additional suspects. The public was urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
As the situation unfolds, it underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in Nigeria’s quest for regional autonomy. While legitimate grievances exist within the Yoruba community, the resort to unlawful means undermines the movement’s credibility and effectiveness, necessitating a renewed focus on peaceful and lawful advocacy.
