Professor Banji Akintoye, leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination group, Ilana Omo Oodua, has debunked the report that he has fled Nigeria to avoid arrest.
He said rather, he relocated to Benin Republic to co-ordinate and supervise the legal rescue of the Yoruba nation advocate, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in the country.
He said as soon as Igboho was released, he would return to Nigeria, not minding whatever the plot of the federal government might be against him.
His words: “Irrespective of what the Nigerian Government may be planning against me, I want to say without any fear or intimidation that I will be returning to Nigeria immediately Ighoho is released from custody. I can’t be intimidated because I’ve not committed any offence, just like Sunday Igboho.”
The remarks made by Akintoye are contained in a statement issued by his Communications Manager, Maxwell Adeleye.
The statement reads:
“Myself, the President-General and Professor Wale Adeniran (Chairman) of Ilana Omo Oodua, are currently in the Republic of Benin as reported, but not on the run.
“We are here to supervise and coordinate, by all legal and other means, the struggle for the release of our son and patriot, Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, detained by the Government from custody.
“By demanding peaceful self-determination for the Yoruba Nation, I am not breaking any law, since self-determination is recognized by the International and Nigerian laws to be an inalienable right of every Nationality, large or small, in the world.
“I have earned a solid reputation as a highly respected advocate of a peaceful self-determination struggle. I have even written a book on the subject which is already being used as a manual by Yoruba self-determination advocates and organizations.
“Irrespective of what the Nigerian Government may be planning against me, I want to say without any fear or intimidation that I will be returning to Nigeria immediately Ighoho is released from custody. I can’t be intimidated because I’ve not committed any offence, just like Sunday Igboho.
“Let me tell all Yoruba People across the world that there’s no cause for alarm. I didn’t flee anywhere. I am in Benin Republic running your errands. The struggle is no retreat, no surrender.”
