O’odua Nation Agitators Unapologetic: No Regrets Over Invasion

In the aftermath of the invasion of the governor’s office and the Oyo State House of Assembly by suspected O’odua Nation agitators, a stir of controversy has emerged as the arrested individuals expressed no remorse for their actions.

Detained by the Oyo state police command, the alleged agitators defended their incursion, asserting that their actions were lawful and not treasonable felonies, but rather part of a legitimate process.

Alabi Ogundeji, a 55-year-old lecturer at Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, maintained that their movement was grounded in the pursuit of self-determination, citing steps taken including a referendum and official notifications to Yoruba-speaking states.

“We were at the Secretariat to celebrate and rejoice because of the new nation that was born,” Ogundeji stated, emphasizing the long-standing desire for Yoruba autonomy.

Echoing this sentiment, 29-year-old phone repairer Ademola Adeniyi affirmed their commitment to the cause, citing the prevailing hardships faced by many Nigerians and the promise of change under their leadership.

However, Oyo State Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat condemned the invasion as criminal, unpatriotic, and tantamount to treasonable felony and terrorism. He vowed to uphold Nigeria’s unity and ensure justice is served.

Hamzat urged parents, guardians, and leaders to dissuade their wards from engaging in activities that undermine national unity, emphasizing the need to protect the state from destabilizing forces.

“As a Parent, I enjoin other Parents, Guardians, and leaders in every sphere of political, religious, and socio-economic influence to prevail on their children, wards, protégés, and followers against being used by unpatriotic individuals to promote anarchy in the State and by extension, Nation,” Hamzat remarked.

Amidst the standoff between agitators and authorities, the future of the region remains uncertain as tensions simmer over issues of autonomy and national unity.