The police have launched a massive search for Mrs. Dupe Onitiri-Abiola, who is suspected of funding the attack on the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by Yoruba Nation agitators.
The search for Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola, the widow of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, began after a video surfaced where she admitted to being involved in the violence on April 13.
The armed agitators, dressed in military gear, entered the Oyo State House of Assembly within the secretariat and raised their flag on Saturday morning.
They also tried to enter the governor’s office but were stopped by security forces. 21 of the agitators were arrested and later paraded by the police on April 15, along with the weapons, ammunition, and camouflage they had in their possession.
The Oyo State Police Commissioner, Adebola Hamzat, called the invasion a criminal and unpatriotic act of treason and terrorism, promising that those responsible would face appropriate consequences.
The Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, acknowledged that Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola is leading a group of Yoruba Nation agitators, although he did not mention her by name. He emphasized the importance of security reform and youth engagement to prevent similar incidents in the future in a televised statement.
Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of another Yoruba group with Sunday “Igboho” Adeyemo, distanced his group from the actions of Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola’s group in a statement on Saturday.
A viral video surfaced on social media showing Mrs. Onitiri-Abiola claiming leadership of the group.
The Oyo State Police Commissioner mentioned that the arrested suspects have been revealing the names of their sponsors. The police also recovered incriminating items from various locations within Oyo State.
The Commissioner urged parents and leaders to discourage their children from participating in activities that disrupt public order. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to protect the state and nation.
