Authorities launched a manhunt yesterday for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, suspected of orchestrating the intrusion into the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by Yoruba Nation agitators.
Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, a renowned business magnate and politician, was sought after a video of her claiming responsibility for the unrest circulated online.
The agitators, bearing arms and clad in military gear, stormed the Oyo State House of Assembly complex within the secretariat premises, raising their flag. They were thwarted from breaching the governor’s office by security forces, leading to the arrest of 21 individuals.
During the subsequent police parade of the suspects, Oyo State Police Commissioner Adebola Hamzat condemned the invasion as treasonable felony and terrorism. While Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola was not explicitly named, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, hinted at her involvement.
Prof. Banji Akintoye distanced his Yoruba group from the incident, indirectly implicating Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola through a statement. A viral video further linked her to the leadership of the agitating group.
According to Commissioner Hamzat, the police responded to the aggression and recovered several weapons from the agitators. He emphasized the imperative of maintaining Nigeria’s unity and denounced attempts to disrupt peace.
The commissioner urged parents and leaders to dissuade their wards from engaging in activities that threaten public order, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to safeguard the state and nation.
Despite the arrests, some agitators remained unrepentant, asserting their right to self-determination. They argued that their actions were lawful, citing longstanding grievances and aspirations for Yoruba independence.
Fatai Owoseni, in a televised statement, acknowledged Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola’s longstanding involvement in separatist movements and highlighted the need for security reform and youth engagement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
