Despite police disruption, Yoruba group holds rally to demand independence

Ilana Oódua, a group of Yoruba self-determination activists, on Saturday staged a rally in Ibadan, Oyo state capital, to demand for independence.

The rally had initially suffered a setback as the proposed venue, Mapo Hall, was barricaded by police officers.

Following the development, the Yoruba nation activists moved to Mapo roundabout to stage the protest.

Brandishing the Oódua Nation flag and waving banners that read “support Yoruba nation”, they marched, sang, and chanted.

Kunle Adesokan, one of the leaders of the group, said the Yoruba people are tired and are ready to stand on their own.

He also noted that the agitation for the Yoruba nation will not be violent.

“What we are saying is we want Yoruba nation. We are tired of staying with Nigeria. Enough of killings, maiming and destruction of properties,” he said.

“No retreat no surrender. We have started the rally in Ibadan, there is no going back. We are starting here because Ibadan is the capital of Yorubaland but we will not use violence.”

TheCable understands that the organisers of the rally do not have the support of most Yoruba leaders and socio-cultural groups in their quest for independence.