Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) has said its members were not part of those who attempted to take over the Oyo State House of Assembly complex on Saturday.
According to a statement signed by the group’s public director, Yeye Dara, and made available to journalists, the group noted that YSDM is peaceful and will not, for whatever reason, engage in acts capable of truncating the peace in society.
The statement reads in parts: We take this opportunity to inform all government officials, security agencies, the Presidency, the Yoruba State governors, and the entire Yoruba people that while our movement advocates for the Yoruba people’s right to self-determination due to ongoing challenges being faced by Nigerians, we operate under the leadership of Professor Banji Akintoye of the YSDM.
“Our approach adheres to constitutional principles, which grant us the right to pursue self-determination when faced with government failure and widespread suffering.
“We wish to clarify that our organisation has no involvement or association with the people who carried out the attack on the Oyo State Governor secretariat.
“It is worth noting that they were previously implicated in an attempted takeover of a federal radio station, Amuludun FM, in Ibadan, which was thwarted by security agencies.
“Under the leadership of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM), led by Professor Banji Akintoye and Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, we emphasise our commitment to peaceful and lawful means in pursuing our objectives.
“We categorically disown any intention of violence, coercion, or disruption of public peace. We reaffirm that our aim is not to seize power forcefully from President Bola Tinubu or any other authority figure, but rather to assert our rights through legitimate channels.”
YSDM, therefore, called on leaders and governors in the south-west part of Nigeria to conduct thorough investigations into the recent events, particularly regarding the individuals apprehended in connection with the attempted attack on the secretariat.
“It is imperative that justice be served and those responsible be held accountable. We reiterate that the Odua Nation is duly registered under the auspices of Professor Banji Akintoye,” YSDM concluded.
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