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I Will Be A Betrayal If I Abandon Struggle For Yoruba Nation – Prof Akintoye Speaks On Taking Back Leadership Role

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The chairman of the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS) also known as Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Banji Akintoye has said he would be a betrayal if he left the struggle for the Yoruba Nation.

The Yoruba Nation agitator while reacting to the rejection of his resignation as leader of Ilana Omo Oodua said he earlier only quit the group but did not abandon the struggle to birth a Yoruba Nation out of the current wobbly structure of Nigeria.

Naija News learnt that Akintoye told Tribune that after pleas from various quarters, he has accepted to continue to lead the body.

This is as the National Chairman of the group Wale Adeniran announced his immediate resignation as a member of the group following allegations of fraud and embezzlement.

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Naija News reports that Adeniran announced his resignation in a two-minute 33 seconds video on YouTube (Omoboriowo media) on Saturday.

He said, “I want to use this medium to step aside as Chairman of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, as member of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, I step down as the participant in the Yoruba Nation struggle so as to allow for unfettered investigations of all these allegations.

“Because in all developed parts of the world, what they normally do is that, if there is an allegation against a public office holder, he or she will step aside to allow thorough investigation, that’s what I’m doing right now.

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“I thank you all, and whatever comes out after the investigation should be made public. There shouldn’t be a secret there. They should publicise the outcome of the investigation because all Yoruba must know the truth about the fraud allegation involving the struggle. Thank you.”

However, this platform learnt that Akintoye while speaking about the leadership of the group said “I did not exit the struggle for Yoruba self-determination. I only exited the platform, Ilana Omo Oodua. It will be a betrayal of the Yoruba Nation for me if I abandon the struggle.

“They have been sending various delegations to me. In fact, some came to me yesterday [Friday], saying they reject my resignation from the group. I told them I need the next day to think about their appeal.

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“But now that you have called me, my answer really is that it should be obvious. My response is ok, I accept to lead the group again. But please, they must help me so we can restore order and unity to our organisation because the organisation has been very useful in the struggle for Yoruba self-determination.

“So, I am glad to accept their invitation back. But I urge them to help me so we can restore unity, harmony and strength to our organisation.”

Naija News recalls that Akintoye resigned as leader of the body on December 5, 2022, to give way to the emergence of Wale Adeniran as chairman of the group.