Despite being arrested, some of the Yoruba Nation agitators remained defiant, expressing no regret for their invasion of the secretariat.
During their parade by the police on Monday, they insisted that their actions were lawful and followed due process.
Alabi Ogundeji, a 55-year-old lecturer at Federal College of Education (Special) (SPED), Oyo, asserted that the Yoruba people constitute a distinct nation and have taken lawful steps towards self-determination.
He cited a referendum, petitions signed by Yorubas, and official notifications to Yoruba-speaking states as evidence of their legitimacy.
Similarly, Ademola Adeniyi, a 29-year-old phone repairer, expressed discontent with Nigeria’s current state, highlighting the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
He stated that their leader assured them of addressing these challenges through their movement.
They said their action was not treasonable, adding that they followed the due process.
He said: “I’m part of the agitation and I can’t deny it. Yoruba as an indigenous nation is a nation on its own. We have so many nations in Nigeria, and Yoruba is one of them.
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“Oodua Nation leaders have taken every step and action that needed to be taken. We have embarked on a referendum, which was the 500 petitions signed by all Yorubas and these served as a referendum.
“Our leadership went to all Yoruba-speaking states to serve officials letters written by our leaders and we were given our own copy. After that was the proclamation. After that, declaration, occupation, and notification to the world that Yoruba is an indigenous nation.
“We were at the secretariat to celebrate and rejoice because of the new nation that was born. It is not a new thing that Yoruba is a nation and we want to stand on our own. We have been together with Nigeria for over 100 years.”
Another suspect, 29-year-old phone repairer, Ademola Adeniyi, said he did not regret his actions.
He said: “We all know that nothing is working in Nigeria and things are hard or everyone, except those in government. We were at the secretariat waiting for our leader to come and address us.
“We believe our leader knows much about the law. So, we are not afraid to join when we were called upon. Our leaders told us that all challenges Yorubas are facing shall be addressed if we achieve our aim.”
