Prof. Banji Akintoye, a campaigner for the Yoruba Nation, condemned the suspects’ invasion of the radio station and distanced himself from their actions.
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested five Yoruba Nation agitators in connection with an attempt to seize control of a radio station owned by the Federal Government in Ibaban, the capital of Oyo State.
Sunday around 6 p.m., separatists attacked Radio Nigeria, Amuludun 99.1FM. Noah Atoyebi ‘M’, 30 years old, Gbenga Adeleke ‘M’, 25 years old, Abdulganiyu Kolawole ‘M’, 35 years old, Bashiru Kehinde O. ‘F’, and Fajola Elija ‘M’, 45 years old, are the suspects in police custody.
According to reports, the perpetrators commandeered the studio and went on air to proclaim Yoruba nation.
When the assailants allegedly rushed the station with charms, members of the station’s employees scampered for safety.
In a statement released following a briefing by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Williams, the command stated that the police will safeguard lives and property, as well as maintain law and order, as the state and nation prepare for the inauguration of newly elected leaders on May 29, 2023.
The police report that no radio station personnel were injured.
Williams stated, “I have personally assigned an investigation team led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to clarify the incident’s circumstances and expand the arrest network through a meticulous, intelligence-driven investigation.
“While declaring this act to be criminal, unpatriotic, and a clear case of terrorism that will be punished in accordance with the laws of the land, I assure the good citizens of the state that the Security architecture of the Command, in concert with relevant Sister Agencies, has been modified for maximum effectiveness not only for tomorrow’s historic ceremony, but also for the foreseeable future.”
Akintoye Disowns the Criminals
Prof. Banji Akintoye, the leader of the umbrella organization Yoruba Nation Self-Determination Struggle, has condemned the suspects’ invasion of the radio station.
In a statement released by his Assistant Director of Programs, Olatunde Amusat, Akintoye described the group’s actions as lawless and heinously criminal.
Akintoye stated, “We have no relationship with the group that has repeatedly engaged in criminal activity, and we have no involvement in their criminal activity.”
