Count me out of Ibadan invasion – Sunday Igboho; MKO Abiola’s wife allegedly declares Yoruba Republic

A pro-Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has distanced himself from the invasion of the Oyo state government Secretariat by suspected agitators on Saturday, April 13.

Reports indicate that security officials arrested about 20 gunmen suspected to be members of Yoruba Nation adherents who were involved in the incident.

The gunmen, dressed in military camouflage, engaged security officials in a gun duel during the invasion. Some of the gunmen fled the scene and were pursued into nearby bushes and forests.

They reportedly removed the Nigerian national flag from the secretariat and replaced it with the “Oodua nation flag” before security officials intervened.

In response, Igboho denounced the actions of the suspected agitators, stating that he was neither aware of nor part of the incident. Igboho, who has been out of the country since his late mother’s burial ceremony in February, emphasised his commitment to non-violence and condemned attacks on government property or individuals.

The invasion was allegedly carried out by another group, ‘Ominira Yoruba/Indigenous Yoruba People,’ led by Ms. Modupe Onitiri Abiola, wife of the late MKO Abiola. In a viral video, Ms. Abiola declared the establishment of the “Democratic Republic of Yoruba” and proclaimed Yoruba as a sovereign nation.

Igboho’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq, affirmed his client’s stance in a statement, emphasizing that Igboho does not endorse nor associate himself with the reported incident. Igboho’s goal, according to the statement, remains the protection and advancement of the Yoruba people through lawful means.

In a personal response, Igboho urged the state government to conduct due diligence on the matter and identify the individuals responsible for the invasion, emphasizing that no genuine member of the Oduduwa nation would attempt such actions.