The family of the late Moshood Abiola has distanced itself from Modupe Onitiri-Abiola who declared an independent Yoruba nation last week.
In a viral video, Onitiri-Abiola, one of Abiola’s widows, announced the “Democratic Republic of Yoruba” on April 12.
Speaking in Yoruba, Onitiri-Abiola said, “We are indigenous people. We are sovereign people. We are ethnic nationalists. That we should leave Nigeria. Today, April 12, 2024, we leave with the power of God.
“I, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola, proclaim the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Yoruba. From today, Yoruba land begins its government. It has become the newest nation. Yoruba became a country that nobody is against. This is hereby established. I, Modupe Onitire-Abiola, am an origin of Yoruba. I am MKO Abiola’s widow.”
Twenty-four hours after her announcement, some agitators invaded the Oyo State Government secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan and tried to take over the government.
Speaking with PUNCH on Tuesday on behalf of the family, one of Abiola’s children Jamiu said Onitiri-Abiola “is on her own.”
Jamiu, the special assistant to President Bola Tinubu on special duties, urged Nigerians not to take her proclamation as representing the family.
He said, “I heard about that, and like almost all Nigerians, I didn’t take her (Onitiri-Abiola) declaration seriously. I have never met her in my life, talk less of knowing her motives. But that is not what is important.
“When it comes to Nigeria’s unity, many people know how much my father believed in it. Even after his arrest and incarceration, not once did he advocate for Nigeria’s division. So I don’t believe any Abiola has the right to promote the division of this country.”
Jamiu said Onitiri-Abiola was not one of the four official wives of his father.
