The leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-Determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Prof. Banji Akintoye, has denied claims that he is on the run because the Federal Government has launched a manhunt for him.
Reports had emerged that Akintoye is currently keeping a low profile somewhere in Benin Republic as the Nigerian authorities have allegedly ordered the security operatives to arrest and harass the elder statesman over his secessionist activities.
Reacting, Akintoye clarified that though he is in Benin Republic, he is not on the run as being speculated.
This was contained in a statement issued by Akintoye’s Communications Manager, Maxwell Adeleye.
Akintoye, in the statement also said he is in Benin Republic to coordinate and supervise how to legally rescue the embattled Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Ighoho who is currently in detention in a prison facility in Benin Republic.
In his words, “No retreat, no surrender. Myself, the President-General and Prof. Wale Adeniran (Chairman) of Ilana Omo Oodua, are 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 aka Sunday Igboho detained by the government.
“By demanding peaceful self-determination for the Yoruba nation, I am not breaking any law, since self-determination is recognised by the international and Nigerian laws to be an inalienable right of every nationality, large or small, in the world.”
