The Youth Initiatives of Ilana Omoodua led by Prof. Banji Akintoye, has insisted on creation of a Yoruba Republic, saying agitation for restructuring of Nigeria is too late for Yoruba people.
The coalition spoke on Saturday as barricaded Mapo Hall, Ibadan, Oyo State capital, the original venue the group planned to hold its self-determination rally.
The movement, which has over 200 groups, home and abroad, speaking through its Secretary, Dr. Akin Adejumo, also said there won’t be an election in 2023.
The Yoruba groups have been agitating for the Yoruba nation over the last few years, citing several challenges facing the country as the reason for the agitation.
At the rally were representatives of Itsekiri in Delta State, Yoruba people in Edo and Kwara states, youths across the Southwest states and Yoruba leaders.
Adejumo said the nation is not working and that there is a need for Nigerians to go back to the drawing board and make a profitable decision for their people.
He said: It is only a lunatic that will be doing things in the same way and expect a different result. Yoruba people are not lunatics and that is why we want a better future for our children. Nigeria is not working.
“If you are a student of history, you will agree with me that Nigeria is not working. It is the movement that said there won’t be an election in 2023 and not me. If you go round and ask our people, you will know that our people are not supporting the election in 2023.”
Representing the Yoruba in Itsekiri land, Issac Ajatitan said the Yoruba people in the land are fully in support of Yoruba nation’s self- determination
Another leader, Basorun Kunle Adesokan, described the movement as the solution to challenges facing the country.
“We can no longer tolerate this undemocratic government again. Nigeria is not working and it won’t work. We want our Odu’a nation and we must achieve it,” he said.
Another speaker, Kazeem Onigege, said the ultimatum given to the federal government has expired and the movement must do the needful.
“As we speak, we are no more Nigerians. We have given them an ultimatum and it has expired. We are no more Nigerians. We are Oduduwa republic.”

By Segun Showunmi