Yoruba Nation agitators on their own - Akeredolu

Ondo state Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has distanced himself from secessionist agitation by some group of person who held a rally in the state last Saturday, saying he has  never gave his blessings for the rally and would not support the secession plans being promoted by some Yoruba leaders.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu maintained that he neither believes nor supports the quest for a Yoruba nation out the present Nigeria.

According to Olatunde, who said the statement became necessary to correct the erroneous impression created by the secessionist that the governor was in support of the agitation for a Yoruba nation and had the governor’s blessing on the rally.

Akeredolu, was reacting to a statement made at a rally in Akure on Saturday by Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho.

Igboho had said, “The governor is aware of these things we are doing, we have his support. We are no more under the Fulani. All we want is Yoruba Nation.”

 “Governor Akeredolu wishes to state clearly that while he acknowledges the right of individuals and groups to hold peaceful rallies, it must not be misconstrued to mean support for secessionist agenda and or balkanization of the nation. Far from it.

Unequivocally, the Governor’s opinion on the Akure rally or any other of its ilk, is only to the effect that he is not opposed to any civil protest which is not in breach of the extant laws of the Nation. He neither believes, nor supports the quest for the Yoruba Nation outside of Nigeria in the manner canvassed. Governor Akeredolu stands by a virile, united and indivisible Nigeria as demanded by the Southern Governors' Forum.

Therefore, the vigour, zeal, leadership and candour displayed by Governor Akeredolu for a just and fair Nigeria is altruistic, and borne out of patriotism for the Nation as well as love for his people, the Yoruba ethnic nationality.

It is important, therefore, to state without any equivocation that the Yoruba Nation secessionist promoters do not enjoy any lending hand in Governor Akeredolu.