South West Governors has taken decisive action against secession agitators in the Yoruba land.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Southwest governors yesterday took decisive measures to avert the invasion by agitators for secession.
Apart from beefing up security in their state secretariats and Government Houses, they also warned troublemakers to desist from their nefarious activities or risk the consequences.
The governors’ decision followed the abortive attempt by some masked uniformed men to invade the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan and hoist their secessionist flag at the weekend.
Last night, Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) dissociated himself from the activities of the agitators, some of who were arrested by the police.
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Afenifere led by Pa Rueben Fasoranti, which decried the invasion, called for still penalty for the sponsors and perpetrators of violence.
Agitators not welcome in Ondo
Ondo State Government said there would be no room for violent agitations, warning that severe punishment awaits anybody that foment trouble under the guise of agitating for Yoruba nation.
It said anybody trying to work against the Nigeria state would be treated as public enemy.
Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Information, Olugbenga Omole, who spoke on telephone, said the state was in support of the Federal Government.
He said: “We will arrest them here in Ondo. We will not support anybody that is against the Federal Government.”
There is a heavy presence of security operatives at the Osun State Government Secretariat and State House of Assembly in Osogbo, the state capital, to prevent invasion by secessionists.
A statement by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said that the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr Samuel Ojo, has been directed to ensure immediate mobilization of joint security teams to secure the State Government Secretariat, the Government House, and other strategic government buildings.
Also, security is to be beefed up at the headquarters of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) to forestall invasion.
The governor called for rededication to the ideals of a united Nigeria, saying that the ongoing constitutional amendments would ensure a truly federal system in the country.
He said: “I associate with my brother, the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. I urge the agitators to sheath their swords. We must continue to try to realize the Nigeria of our dreams. We must support President Tinubu as he drives the federal reform efforts. We have a duty to stand by Mr President in the realization of this difficult national assignment.”
Adeleke urged the agitators to join the crusade for the reform of the federal system to ensure adjustments that will give states more autonomy and responsibilities.
Police, NSCDC beef up security in Ekiti
There is security beef up security in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, to prevent a repeat of the Ibadan violence.
There was movement of security vans in major streets within Ado Ekiti metropolis.
The operatives comprising Policemen, Nigerian Army and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence were stationed in strategic places in the state capital.
Security vehicles were stationed at the entrance of the Governor’s Office, Ekiti State House of Assembly and the Government House.
The Special Adviser to Governor Biodun Oyebanji on Security Matters, Brigadier-General Ebenezer Ogundana, said the security deployment was propelled by the recent invasion of Oyo State Government House by some Yoruba Nation agitators.
He said the state government had resolved to forestall any breach of peace in the state.
Ogundana added: “We believe what happened in Oyo State can happen in other Southwest states. So, immediately after we heard of the incident yesterday (Saturday), we put all security agencies on alert so that we would not be surprised the same way Oyo state was surprised.
“I can assure you everything has been adequately put in place to curtail such occurrence in Ekiti State. You can see the combined security agencies patrolling the state capital. They have also been drafted to government facilities, including the Governor’s Office, Government House and the Ekiti State House of Assembly.”
‘Ogun not under any threat’
Ogun State government said there was no cause for alarm. It said security agencies know what to do to prevent disturbance of public peace.
Special Adviser Information Kayode Akinmade said on the telephone: “The government is on top of the situation. Security operatives are alive to their responsibilities. The state is not under any invasion threat.”
Igboho: Govt should unmask perpetrators
Adeyemo, who distanced himself from the Ibadan violence, denounced the actions of the suspected agitators.
He said in a statement by his lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, that he was opposed to violence and attacks on government property or individuals.
The statement said: “I, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, is not aware of, related to, nor does he endorse the reported incident in Ibadan, Oyo State, where individuals allegedly invaded the state secretariat claiming to take over the state as Yoruba Nation agitators.”
“He categorically denounces any such actions and advises the general public not to associate him with them. Chief Sunday Adeyemo stands firm in his commitment to non-violence and does not condone attacks on government property or individuals.”
“He urges the public to understand that attempting to take over government facilities is unlawful and undermines the legitimate aspirations of those peacefully advocating the Yoruba Nation. His goal remains the protection and advancement of the Yoruba people through lawful means.”
Also reacting personally, Igboho said: “It was brought to my notice; the attempted hijacking of the Oyo State Assembly complex by some ‘self-acclaimed’ Oodua nation members and I’d like to put it out there. I have no hands in that.
“Also, no Oduduwa nation member will dare attempt such. I’ll implore the state government to do due diligence on the matter and figure out the identities of these impersonators and blackmailers.”
Afenifere calls for stiff penalties for perpetrators
Afenifere condemned the invasion, urging the government to punish the perpetrators and their sponsors.
A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi said the ‘Democratic Republic of the Yoruba’ is an illusion.
The statement reads: “Yoruba is an important component of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As is well-known, there cannot be a sovereign republic within an extant sovereign republic.
“At the moment, Yoruba are indigenous in Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo States and in parts of Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Edo State of Nigeria, just as they are found in some other parts of the world.”
Ajayi acknowledged the dysfunctionalities in the way Nigeria was being run, adding that they were inherited by the current administration.”
