Yoruba Nation Rally: Security Operatives Take Over Gani Fawehinmi Park

Security operatives have taken over the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos, the proposed venue of the Yoruba nation rally by separatist agitators.

Naija News reports that the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, is at the venue coordinating his men, with scores of patrol vans, heavy anti-riot gun trucks and Black Marias stationed at strategic points.

Also, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), soldiers attached to OP MESSA, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps are stationed at the park.

As of the time of filing this report, no Yoruba nation agitator has been seen at the venue, while vehicular movement and business activities continue uninterrupted along the axis.

Recall that the Nigeria Police Force had on Friday embarked on a show of force in the state to warn Yoruba nation separatists against any form of rally slated to hold in the nation’s economic capital today.

The state Police Command stated that anyone caught participating in the Yoruba Nation rally will be prosecuted.

The spokesman of the command, Muyiwa Adejobi said the demonstration was “a warning signal to whoever or any group of persons planning to stage any procession or foment troubles in Lagos”.

But in a live Facebook broadcast on Friday, media aide to Igboho, Olayomi Koiki, has stressed that the rally would hold as planned, adding that Igboho would be back stronger.

He had said, “I can still confirm officially that the Lagos rally, irrespective of whatever news or rumours you’ve been listening to from different outlets, will go as planned. The 3rd of July mega rally will go on as planned. All arrangements for the rally have been planned and nothing has changed.

“I have spoken to the organisers, nothing has changed so far. On 3rd of July from exactly 9am [the rally will start]. The whole arrangement and planning are going on. I’ve spoken with the General Secretary of Ilana Omo Odua, George Akinola and Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye and he (Akintoye) is working tirelessly for the release of those taken away.

“The rally in Lagos is going to be a peaceful rally, it is going to be a mega rally, do not be disturbed about what happened. So many developments took place at Igboho’s house.”