Thousands of youths, women, and leaders of Yoruba race are currently occupying some streets in Ibadan in a self-determination awareness rally organised by Banki Akintoye, leader of Ilana Odua and a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The rally to demand for Oduduwa Republic has reportedly suffered setback as armed policemen and armour personnel carrier from the state command have taken over the venue of the rally, Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital There are more than 20 police vehicles including patrol vans in Mapo Area.
The protest, which was supposed to start around 9.am on Saturday, could not start until 11.am due to heavy security presence at the entrance and around Mapo Hall.
The organisers have also not been seen at the venue although some members were said to have come earlier and left because of the situation there.
Some of the protesters, who spoke, lamented that Yoruba nation had suffered enough in Nigeria.
One of the leaders of the group, Bashorun Kunle Adesokan maintained that it was time for Yoruba race to have their own country.
Calls put across to some of the organisers were not picked. But it was gathered that they were strategising for the next line of action.