According to Vanguard, Professor Banji Akintoye, the leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, expressed a differing view from the leaders of Afenifere regarding the issue of restructuring, stating that the Yoruba Nation seeks self-determination rather than restructuring within Nigeria.
During his appearance on Arise television’s ‘The Morning Show,’ Professor Akintoye emphasized his conviction that the dream of achieving Yoruba Nation independence will be realized. He argued that implementing restructuring would not address the ongoing violence perpetrated by Fulani herders, who have allegedly killed numerous Yoruba people.
He questioned why there is considerable focus on agitation for Yoruba Nation while ignoring the threat posed by the Fulani herdsmen who seek dominance in the country.
Acknowledging Afenifere's efforts in advocating for restructuring, Professor Akintoye asserted that the only solution to the violence and atrocities against Yoruba people is for them to have their own country where they can enact laws and control their borders.
Regarding recent violent actions by Onitiri-Abiola’s group at the Oyo State Government House, Professor Akintoye distanced himself from such actions, stating that his movement for Yoruba self-determination operates within the framework of international law and advocates for peaceful means to achieve their goals.
He emphasized the intellectual sophistication of their movement and reiterated their commitment to achieving self-determination peacefully, highlighting that their struggle has been ongoing since 2019 without any record of violence.
Taking exception to the violence displayed by Onitiri-Abiola’s group, who swooped on the Oyo State Government House, he said: “The ideas of the self-determination movement and Yoruba Agitation led by Modupe Onitiri-Abiola are not the same. We started the movement for the liberation of the Yoruba Nation under the existing law of the international community. People don’t seem to recognize the rights of indigenous people that there is a law that permits any nation that wants to separate from a nation they belong to now to do so.