Thelma Osatohanmwen
The Nigerian police have initiated a manhunt for Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, a suspected sponsor of the invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by Yoruba Nation agitators.
NEWSTODAYNG gathered that the search for Onitiri-Abiola, widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, commenced following the emergence of a viral video in which she claimed responsibility for the violence on Saturday, April 13.
Armed agitators, donning military camouflage, invaded the Oyo State House of Assembly complex within the secretariat premises and raised their flag on Saturday morning.
They also attempted to breach the security of the governor’s office before being repelled by security operatives.
Oyo State Police Commissioner, Adebola Hamzat, paraded 21 suspects arrested in connection with the invasion, describing the act as criminal, unpatriotic, and tantamount to treasonable felony and terrorism.
He affirmed that adequate sanctions would be imposed.
Although not explicitly mentioned by name, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Fatai Owoseni, acknowledged Onitiri-Abiola’s longstanding involvement in separatist movements and called for security reform and youth engagement to prevent future incidents.
Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of another Yoruba group, distanced his faction from the violence, suggesting that Onitiri-Abiola’s group was responsible.
A viral video subsequently surfaced, featuring Onitiri-Abiola claiming leadership of the group.
Chief Mrs Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, one of the widows of the late MKO Abiola, has declared independence for Democratic Republic of the Yoruba (DRY) which she also proclaims as the newest country in the world.👉 She's biting more than what she can chew oooh, she got it wrong in a… pic.twitter.com/hOmpkmiitG
— Francis Nwaobilo (@nwafame) April 15, 2024
The Oyo State Police Commissioner revealed that the arrested suspects have implicated their sponsors, and incriminating items have been recovered from various locations within Oyo State.
He urged parents and leaders to discourage youth involvement in activities jeopardizing public order and emphasized the necessity of collective efforts to safeguard the state and nation.