Alabi Ogundeji, a 55-year-old lecturer at the Federal College of Education (Special) in Oyo State, and Ademola Adeniyi, a 29-year-old phone repairer, have expressed no regrets over their participation in the Yoruba Nation agitation.
The two were among the 20 individuals arrested by the police following an invasion of the Oyo State Governor’s Office and the state House of Assembly by masked men in military camouflage believed to be Yoruba Nation agitators.
During their parade by the police at the state Police Command, Eleyele in Ibadan, Ogundeji and Adeniyi defended their actions, asserting that they were lawful under both Nigerian and international law.
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Ogundeji stated, “I’m actively involved in the agitation for the Yoruba Nation. Yoruba is an indigenous nation and we have taken the necessary steps towards achieving our goal. Our leadership has undertaken actions such as a referendum, proclamation, declaration, occupation, and notification to assert that Yoruba is an indigenous nation. We have coexisted with Nigeria for over a century, and it is not new that Yoruba is a nation.”
Similarly, Adeniyi commented, “We recognize that Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, and life has become difficult for many except those in government. We were at the Secretariat awaiting our leader’s address, believing that our leader understands the law. We are not afraid to join the cause when called upon, as our leader assured us that all challenges faced by the Yoruba people would be addressed if our goal is achieved.”
In response to the incident, the state Police Commissioner, Hamzat Adebola, condemned the act as criminal, unpatriotic, and a clear case of treasonable felony and terrorism.
He emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s continued existence as a sovereign and indivisible entity. Adebola urged parents, guardians, and leaders across various sectors to discourage individuals from engaging in activities that promote anarchy.
He concluded by stating his commitment to ensuring that the state does not become a haven for criminal activities or groups intending to disrupt the peace enjoyed by its residents.
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