The umbrella body of Yoruba self- determination groups, Ilana Omo Yoruba, Tuesday lashed out at Gov Rotimi Akeredolu, over his comment that Yoruba people seeking self-determination should stay clear of his state.
Ilana Omo Yoruba in a statement signed by its Homeland Secretary, Basorun Kunle Adesokan, and one of its leaders, Otunba Folashade Olukoya, stated that the body is not seeking secession from Nigeria but sovereignty of Yoruba nation.
“We are saying for the sake of clarity that what we declared is the sovereignty of Yoruba Nation from Nigeria, and not secession from Nigeria. We want an autonomous Yoruba Nation. We want to determine how we want to govern our people. We want to control and manage our resources. We want to police and secure the lives and properties of our people,” it said.
Ilana Omo Yoruba added, “We have made our position known. Our agitation for autonomous Yoruba Nation is legally grounded, intellectually rooted and it shall be executed without shedding of blood. Akeredolu cannot sit inside the comfort of his office and claim to be speaking for the people of Ondo state that he has failed to regularly pay their monthly salary, pension and gratuities.”
Prof Banji Akintoye led group said,” Akeredolu is entitled to his opinion,” adding that the governor only spoke for himself, and not the good people of Ondo state.
