The Oduduwa Ibadan Rally And Governor Makinde – Frederick Odorige | GOVERNMEND
I watched the Ibadan rally of 17 April, 2021 which was a expression of intent to form the Oduduwa republic. In quest of self-determination, the rally was by a Yoruba group, Ilana Omo Oodua, fronted by Banji Akintoye, an Emeritus Professor of History.
I am not a fan of secession but I respect the rights of those who choose to secede.
On that day, the rally was respectfully and peacefully conducted. Police officers who were on ground, were not violent. That is how the rights of Nigerians must be respected.
Whenever Nigerians wish to protest, we must be given police escorts and ambulance vehicles in case of emergency. That is how it is done in developed and `normal` societies.
I wish to congratulate Governor Seyi Makinde for according his people the needed respect. Governor Sanwo-Olu has a lot to learn from this. Calling soldiers to shoot peaceful #EndSARS protesters while he kept his children at home is a decision that will haunt him forever.
During the #EndSARS protest, Gov Makinde also called on the police to respect the rights of citizens and called on protesters to equally respect the law. Governor Wike of Rivers State categorically stated that the protest was not welcomed in the state. That was the order of an emperor. The people went on with the protest.
Over a thousand Shiite Muslims have been killed for protesting against the continuing detention of their leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky against five court orders that have ordered for his release since he was detained on 15 December 2015. The spirits of those killed will haunt President-General Buhari throughout history. Around 350 members of the sect were killed and buried in mass graves in Zaria after they had altercations with the convoy of the former law-breaking Chief of Army staff Lt-Colonel Tukur Yusuf Buratai. The rest of Buratai`s life is tainted with the blood of our compatriots.
I decided to give kudos to Governor Makinde because in 2020, he won the poll organized by our organization, GCSDN, as the best performed Governor in Nigeria, 2020. I watched the rally to see his reaction. His response finally confirmed that he merited the award.
A country that kills her citizens for protesting within their country, cannot protect her citizens that live outside the country.
The right to assemble, to protest and of free speech, is an inalienable right of the people.
We must not allow any government to take this away from us.
The upcoming revolution will surely begin, either as a rally or a protest.
Source: F Odorige
