By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Yoruba National Youth has declared that no amount of intimidation will deter them from pursuing the actualization of Yoruba Nation autonomy, reaffirming their commitment to creating a separate country for the Yorubas within Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Yoruba National Youth Leader in the Diaspora, Prophet Ayodele Ologunloluwa, and Comrade Oyegunle Oluwamayowa Omotoyole emphasized that Nigeria’s “democracy deficit” is not beneficial to anyone. They reacted to the Federal Government’s recent statement, which ruled out the possibility of allowing any region to secede from Nigeria, calling the government’s position “unacceptable” and reaffirming that the call for Yoruba Nation autonomy still stands.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, had reiterated the indivisibility of Nigeria during a peace meeting in Plateau State over the weekend, stating that “Nigerians living together is an obligation and not optional.”

In response, the Yoruba National Youths criticized the federal government’s stance, highlighting the Yoruba Nation’s recent actions on the global stage. They pointed to the October 13 submission of a petition by Yoruba Nation leader, Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, to the UK Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, London. The youth leaders described the event as a success, stating that the petition was well-received and debunking rumors that it had been rejected by the British government.

The group further condemned what they described as the Nigerian government’s intimidation of British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, following the petition. The youths stressed that the Yorubas have a constitutional right to self-determination, and no entity can deny them this right.

Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho also expressed his concerns in a personal statement, condemning the reported summoning of Montgomery by the Nigerian government. He called the move unnecessary and labeled it an attempt to pressure the British diplomat. Igboho reassured the Yoruba people that the government’s intimidation tactics would not derail the movement’s efforts.

“We remain committed to peaceful, non-violent, and legitimate methods of ensuring the birth of a Yoruba nation. Our people should stay calm and resolute, confident in our collective struggle for emancipation so that we can harness our great potential in a vibrant Yoruba nation once it is created out of the current Nigerian contraption,” Igboho added.

The Yoruba National Youth concluded by reiterating their commitment to achieving Yoruba Nation autonomy through lawful and peaceful means, rejecting any use of violence. They expressed confidence that the self-determination movement will eventually succeed and that the intimidation from the federal government will not derail their agitation.

“Our present petition submission to the UK Prime Minister is a significant step forward, and we are confident that Yoruba Nation will soon be realized,” they stated.