Yoruba group warns coup plotters, insists South-West will secede

The South-West Coalition, reportedly comprising over 100 groups under the umbrella of the Yoruba Alliance of Democratic Movement (AYDM), has warned those calling for the military to stage a coup and take over the government of President Bola Tinubu, to desist from such calls as they are baseless.

AYDM who gave the warning after the Pan-Yoruba-Itsekiri Global Summit held in Lagos on Saturday themed, ‘Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria: The Role of Non-state Actors,’ blamed the supporters of the military coup in Nigeria, adding that the South-West would not hesitate to secede from Nigeria in the event of a military takeover.

In a communique issued at the end of the summit, the AYDM said it was aware of the historic challenges facing the country, but was concerned about calls for a military coup coming from parts of the country.

“We are worried that some people in their desperation are calling for military rule. Let those who are planning to return to dictatorship know that there will be no military rule in the entire Oduduwa region,” the group said.

“Our people will resist with all their might, even if it means armed resistance. Since the forced incorporation of Nigeria in 1914, the potential of the Yoruba people has been stunted and it is high time the Yoruba people left Nigeria as a viable alternative to the incessant violence, killings and coups. We are worried that some in their desperation are calling for military rule.

“Let those who are planning to return to dictatorship know that there will be no military rule in the entire Oduduwa region. Our people will resist with all their might, even if it means armed resistance.

ALSO READ: Lagos govt seizes 164 ‘okada’ suspected to belong to soldiers

“Those calling for military intervention are the same people responsible for the rot, the systemic corruption, the persecution of ethnic groups and the laying of the foundations responsible for the current challenges facing Nigeria.

“Those calling for military intervention remained silent for eight years when their candidate was President of Nigeria with his narrow and self-serving policies which partly created the woes the country is facing today.

“But in less than a year, they want this country to burn. There are plans by some military forces to carry out a military coup and the return of the same forces that laid the foundation for the destruction of this country.

“Supporters of the military government come from certain sectors in the country who do it for narrow interests. They are right-wing ethnic elements who want to control the country by any means.

“In their ancient tradition, they hate the fact that people have the right to choose and power should be shifted from them. This is the only reason they plan to overthrow the minimum achievements of democracy.”

Yoruba Group warns coup plotters, insists South West will secede first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.