Yoruba leaders storm Ibadan, demand Oduduwa republic

Yoruba leaders under the banner of the Ilana Omoodua Youth Initiatives on Saturday converged on Ibadan to agitate for secession, saying restructuring of Nigeria was too late for Yoruba people.

The group, thought to have more than 200 affiliate groups in Nigeria and outside the country, has threatened to disrupt the 2023 general elections if its agitation is not considered.

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It has been calling for Oduduwa republic in the last few years over several challenges facing the country.

Its rally at Mapo in Ibadan drew representatives of Itsekiri in Delta, Yoruba in Edo and Kwara as well as other southwestern states.

Secretary of the movement, Akin Adejumo, represented by Banji Akintoye at the rally, said, “It is only a lunatic that will be doing things in the same way and expect a different result. Yoruba people are not lunatic and that is why we want a better future for our children. Nigeria is not working.

“If you are a student of history, you will agree with me that Nigeria is not working. It is a movement that said there won’t be election in 2023 and not me. If you go round and ask our people, you will know that our people are not supporting election in 2023.”

Representing the Yoruba in Itshekiri land, Issac Ajatitan said the Yoruba people were in full support of self determination.

Another leader, Basorun Kunle Adesokan, said, “We can no longer tolerate this undemocratic government again. Nigeria is not working and it won’t work. We want our Odu’a nation and we must achieve it,” he said.

Kazeem Onigege, said the ultimatum given to the federal government has expired and the movement must do the needful.

“As we speak, we are no more Nigerians. We have given them an ultimatum and it has expired,” he said. “We are no more Nigerians. We are Oduduwa republic.”