Professor Banji Akintoye, the former leader of the Yoruba self-determination organization, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, has announced his departure from the organization in an open letter addressed to Adeniran, the current Chairman of Ilana.
In the letter, Professor Akintoye states that he has been seeking to step down from his responsibilities in Ilana for over a year due to the demands of the self-determination struggle combined with his duties in the organization.
Professor Akintoye notes that he has received encouragement from Adeniran and other members of Ilana to remain in the organization, as it is his “special ‘baby’ in the whole self-determination struggle.”
However, at a recent meeting of leaders of the self-determination struggle from around the world, it was agreed that Professor Akintoye should give up his duties in Ilana due to his heavy accumulation of duties at the higher levels of the struggle.
In his letter, Professor Akintoye emphasized that his departure from Ilana should not be seen as a result of recent difficulties within the organization.
He congratulated Adeniran and the newly elected Executive Council of Ilana and wished them success in their future endeavors.
Professor Akintoye is highly regarded within the Yoruba self-determination movement and has played a significant role in the organization of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide.