Yoruba groups, traditionalists hold rally in Lagos amidst police shootings
Young lady shot at Ojota
By Mutiu Abdul Akerele
Thousands of people defy the police order in Lagos as they gathered in sizeable numbers calling for the actualisation of O’odua Republic
The police responded with gunshots and several canisters of tear gas fired to disperse a defiant crowd.
There were reports that a young lady was killed. Traditionalists were seen in hundreds as they filed through the street in solidarity with the protesters.
The protesters organised themselves into nuclear groups, many holding placards calling for Oduduwa Republic.
Though the protesters came in large numbers, police put a stop into what obviously would appeared to be well organised and a coordinated outing.
Several protesters were seen in convoys of buses coming from different parts of Lagos but were prevented by the police from proceeding to the rally.
“We are here to register our disenchantment against the Nigeria State. The Yoruba are tired of living in Nigeria. We have the right to self determination to choose the economic and political future of the people out of our own freewill” Mr Kunde Adejola an official of Ilan Omo O’odua told Irohinoodua correspondent who was at the venue.
The legal adviser, Ilana Omo Oodua Me Olasupo Ojo had earlier written to the police demanding for the right of the organisers to hold the peaceful rally in line with Article 1 of the United Nations Charter on self determination. He said peaceful protests are part of the ingredients of democracy.
Meanwhile, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho) has debunked reports that he was arrested at Guru Maharaji temple. In a voice message sent across to his supporters, he said: ‘I have not been arrested. I’m not member of Guru Maharaji. I’m in my house. No one has arrested me. I will not give up on the campaign for O’odua Republic “