20 arrested as Igboho, Akintoye deny Oodua Nation agitators who attacked Oyo secretariat

The Oyo State Police Command is presently questioning 20 individuals apprehended in the aftermath of yesterday’s incursion at the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by individuals identifying themselves as Oodua Nation supporters. According to Adewale Osifeso, a Superintendent of Police and the command’s spokesperson, the suspects were found in possession of three Pump Action guns, 291 life cartridges, two expended cartridges, 67 cutlasses, and five bulletproof vests, among other items.

The spokesperson highlighted that the agitators, motivated by separatist motives, endeavored to forcefully seize control of the Oyo State Government Secretariat. However, their efforts were foiled by the swift response of officers from the Command in collaboration with other security agencies. The suspects, alleged members of the “Yoruba Nation Agitation Group,” dressed in military camouflage, are being accused of committing treasonable felony and engaging in terrorism.

Despite this, prominent Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, and Yoruba Self Determination group leader Prof. Banji Akintoye have disassociated themselves from the actions of the invaders and their group, asserting no awareness or support for their endeavors.

Following the incident, Ibadan experienced a momentary surge of tension. However, the state government assured residents that the situation was under control, urging them to resume their normal activities. The Police Command emphasized that the suspects would face legal consequences for their actions.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army reported a separate engagement with Yoruba nation adherents dressed in foreign military attire, armed with dangerous weapons. The troops successfully subdued the attackers, apprehending nine individuals and recovering weapons. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and security of the affected area.

The invaders arrived at the secretariat in a grey Toyota Hiace bus and two motorcycles, which have been impounded. Some of the invaders blocked the Secretariat-Total Garden Road while others infiltrated the premises, removing the Nigerian national flag and replacing it with the O’odua Nation flag. However, security forces, including Amotekun Corps, intervened, leading to the arrest of several perpetrators and the dispersal of the rest.

Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, assured the public that the situation was contained, describing the gunmen as miscreants.

When contacted, Igboho and Akintoye denied involvement in the invasion, distancing themselves from the perpetrators. Akintoye pointed to a woman from a prominent Lagos family as the alleged main supporter of the hoodlums, emphasizing that their actions were contrary to the interests of the Yoruba people. Igboho echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that any legitimate struggle for the Yoruba Nation would be conducted transparently and collaboratively.