11 arrested as Yoruba nation agitators, police clash in Ogun

The police command in Ogun State yesterday arrested 11 Yoruba nation agitators who defied the ban on mass rally in Abeokuta.

The rally held jointly by two groups - Ilana Omo Oduduwa and Omo Kootu Ojire Omo Oduduwa Atata took their procession around Abeokuta in defiance to the police order.

As early as 7am on Saturday, our correspondent observed that security operatives took over the streets of Abeokuta in order to stop the rally.

A police helicopter was also sighted hovering over some areas in the state capital.

Our correspondent who visited the palace of the Alake of Egba land, venue of the rally, observed joint security operatives manning strategic positions in the street. The team was led by the area commander of Adatan, Ayo Edun.

A young man wearing ritual gear, Zannu Williams, and 10 others, were arrested in front of the palace and whisked away in a police van to the state headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Reacting, the police public relations officer in the state, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the arrest of 11 people, accused the agitators of launching unprovoked attacks on security operatives.