The Yoruba National Youth has declared that no amount of intimidation will deter their pursuit of Yoruba Nation autonomy, emphasizing their commitment to establishing a separate country for the Yorubas within Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Yoruba National Youth Leader in the Diaspora, Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole expressed that Nigeria’s “democracy deficit” is detrimental to all. They responded to the Federal Government’s recent declaration, which dismissed any possibility of secession, labeling the government’s stance as “unacceptable” while reaffirming their call for Yoruba Nation autonomy.
During a peace meeting in Plateau State, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru reiterated Nigeria’s indivisibility, asserting that “Nigerians living together is an obligation and not optional.” In response, the Yoruba National Youth criticized this position and highlighted recent international advocacy for the Yoruba Nation, including a petition submitted by their leader, Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, to the UK Prime Minister on October 13. They described the submission as a success, countering rumors that it had been rejected.
The group condemned what they termed the Nigerian government’s intimidation of British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery following the petition, asserting that the Yoruba people have a constitutional right to self-determination that cannot be denied.
In a personal statement, Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho condemned the reported summoning of Montgomery by the Nigerian government, calling it unnecessary and an attempt to pressure the diplomat. He reassured the Yoruba people that such intimidation would not impede their movement.
“We remain committed to peaceful, non-violent, and legitimate methods of ensuring the birth of a Yoruba nation,” Igboho stated. He urged the community to stay calm and resolute, confident in their collective struggle for emancipation.
The Yoruba National Youth concluded by reiterating their dedication to achieving Yoruba Nation autonomy through lawful and peaceful means, rejecting violence. They expressed confidence that their self-determination movement would ultimately succeed, asserting that federal government intimidation would not derail their efforts. “Our recent petition submission to the UK Prime Minister is a significant step forward, and we believe the Yoruba Nation will soon be realized,” they stated.