Oduduwa Development Initiative Calls for Suspension of Yoruba Nation Agitation Following Armed Invasion

The Oduduwa Development Initiative has called for the suspension of the Yoruba Nation agitation following an armed invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat by agitators led by Modupe Onitiri Abiola. The invasion, which took place on April 13, 2024, resulted in a gun battle with security forces, leading to the arrest of 29 agitators and the demolition of their building by the state government.

Akinyele Olasunbo, the National President of the Oduduwa Development Initiative, urged setting aside the agitation and rallying behind the 'New Hope' agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Leading Yoruba Nation activists, Sunday Igboho and Banji Akintoye, have distanced themselves from the invasion.

The Oyo State Government justified the demolition of two buildings belonging to the leader of the Yoruba Nation agitators, stating that the buildings were used to store dangerous weapons. The government has urged residents to report any illegal and life-threatening activities to the authorities.

Olufemi Lawson, the National Secretary of the Campaign for Democracy, acknowledged the legitimacy of the self-determination struggle but stressed the importance of following legal processes. He condemned the unlawful attempt to breach government facilities, attributing the incident to illiteracy and manipulation by opportunistic individuals.

Why this matters: The armed invasion and subsequent government response highlight the escalating tensions surrounding the Yoruba Nation agitation. The incident raises concerns about the potential for further violence and the need for peaceful dialogue to address the underlying issues fueling the separatist movement.

The Oyo State Government has assured residents that it will continue to provide adequate security and has urged the public to report any suspicious activity. As Olasunbo stated, "We must set aside the agitation for now and rally behind the 'New Hope' agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We need to work together to move Nigeria forward."

Key Takeaways

• Oduduwa group calls for suspension of Yoruba Nation agitation after armed invasion.
• Oyo govt demolishes buildings used by Yoruba Nation agitators to store weapons.
• Yoruba Nation activists Sunday Igboho and Banji Akintoye distance themselves from the invasion.
• Campaign for Democracy acknowledges self-determination but stresses following legal processes.
• Oyo govt assures security, urges public to report suspicious activity, and calls for unity.