Yoruba Groups Disown Attackers Of Oyo State House Assembly

Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide organization, representing the Yoruba self-determination group, on Sunday disowned the attack that took place over the weekend at the Oyo State House Assembly.

According to the statement by the group's General Secretary Yemi Akindele, the group of people who attacked were trying to use the group's name to cover up their actions. Akindele called these attackers "hoodlums," noting that this "needless attack" was done by impostors.

"The attention of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide has been drawn to the unfortunate incident of a needless attack on the Oyo State House of Assembly by hoodlums disguised as Yoruba Nation agitators on 13 April 2024," the statement mentioned, Premium Times reported.

"The entire membership of the group, the umbrella body representing all agitating groups under the leadership of the founder and chairman, Prof. Emeritus Banji Akintoye, hereby denies any knowledge of such individuals and wishes to inform the public that the attackers are not members of Ilana Omo Oodua worldwide."

The statement further noted these criminal individuals were not associated with any legitimate groups that advocate for the Yoruba people's freedom.

The group said they don't support violence or clashes with the government, while adding they believe in self-determination, supported by international laws, and were dedicated to achieving it peacefully, without fighting.

They also mentioned that all the rallies organized by genuine groups advocating for Yoruba people's rights have been done peacefully with proper notifications and without any violence.

"We, therefore, condemn the needless attack on the Oyo State House of Assembly facility and urge the government to thoroughly investigate the incident, expose the sponsors and collaborators, and charge them with treasonable felony and terrorism," it noted. "This action will serve as a deterrent to others who might contemplate such a deplorable act in the future."

Yoruba Nation agitators invaded the Oyo State government secretariat on Saturday morning. On the same day, the Nigerian Army arrested nine members of the group after exchanging a gun battle.

According to multiple reports, Yoruba Nation agitators hoisted their own flag on the government building after removing the Nigerian flag.

Following this incident, National Publicity Secretary Comrade Jare Ajayi also issued a statement on Sunday and noted that the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization Afenifere has also disowned the group.

Yoruba Oodua Union has also distanced itself from this attack.