Yoruba Nation organisers vow to proceed with tomorrow's rally despite raid on Igboho's home

ORGANISERS of today's planned Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos are set for a showdown with the government after they vowed to continue with their protest despite the raid on the home of one of their leaders Sunday Adeyemo in Ibadan yesterday.

In a show of force, soldiers raided the Ibadan home of Mr Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, killing two of his supporters and arresting a further 13. Security operatives also confiscated items including weapons, international passports and charms and  have since declared Mr Igboho a wanted man.

Mr Igboho is one of the leaders of Yoruba Nation, who have planned a mega rally in Lagos tomorrow and the federal government troops has deployed troops to the venue the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota. One government source said that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has drawn the battle line.

He added: “We pray they come out and I can confirm to you that those of them who had instigated violence or made seditious comments will be arrested and prosecuted. The good news is that some of them are wanted, so this will be a good time to apprehend them.

“The government has had enough of using secessionist calls to perpetrate chaos. Nigeria is dealing with a lot of problems, we should try to de-escalate tension, not escalate.

“Look at the killings and destruction that have been happening in the southeast and southwest due to break-up demands. What manner of government would watch and do nothing?”

However, self-determination Yoruba groups, including Ilana Omo Oodua (IOO) have vowed to hold the rally as scheduled. Police spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, said the show of force was a warning signal to whoever or any group of persons planning to stage any procession or foment troubles in Lagos.

Officials and the police said Lagos cannot afford to go through another round of the carnage that occurred during the #EndSARS protests that shook Nigeria. Earlier today, the police deployed hundreds of officers and assets including motorcycles, heavy trucks, and armoured personnel carrier vehicles to Ojota.

Yesterday, Lagos State police commissioner Hakeem Odumosu warned that anyone caught participating in the Yoruba Nation rally will be prosecuted. However, the organisers have promised that people will come out tomorrow.