Akintoye explained the movement’s choice of date, linking it directly to the legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

The Yoruba Self-Determination Movement will launch a nationwide rally across Yoruba-speaking regions on June 12, marking a peaceful call for the establishment of an independent Yoruba nation.

The national leader of the movement and renowned historian, Professor Banji Akintoye, made the announcement in a message to supporters shared via Koiki Media and obtained by SaharaReporters on Wednesday evening.

Akintoye, who has consistently championed the cause of Yoruba self-rule, urged all Yoruba people to come out in their communities on Wednesday, June 12, 2025, to participate in the rally, noting that the date is symbolically tied to the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.

“By tomorrow morning, I urge everyone to come out at our place of residence for a rally. This time, you don’t need to move to another person’s house for the rally,” Akintoye said.

“It is true that Ibadan is the centre of attraction in our land, but this time around, your centre attraction should be your village. You should do the rally where you are living.”

Akintoye explained the movement’s choice of date, linking it directly to the legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.

“Tomorrow, 12th of June 2025, we will start our rally. June 12 has its significance and that was why we chose it. It is regarded as Freedom Day in Yoruba Land. It was the day everybody came out to vote massively for MKO as President. And we remember they nullified the election and also killed him,” he added.

The professor emphasised the enduring significance of June 12 to the Yoruba people.

He said, “What happened on June 12, 1993 is what we (Yoruba People) will continue to talk about forever. Therefore, it is a good thing we are starting our rally tomorrow. Not that the rally is only for tomorrow, it will continue beyond tomorrow. We should go and know that the rally may last for five days or beyond. If our population is not much tomorrow, let it be better the following days.”

He also called on participants to remain peaceful and disciplined during the demonstrations.

“Everybody should come out and let us show that we want our country. And when we are coming out, let’s remember the rules. We are not violent people. We are not murderers. We don’t attack police and soldiers,” he said.

“We don’t go to rallies with weapons. We only want to show the world what we want. We are not protesting against anything or anybody. We are just showing the world that we want our country. That is all.”

Professor Akintoye has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government's handling of ethnic relations and has consistently called for the peaceful separation of the Yoruba people from Nigeria.

Recently, he issued a clarion call to the Yoruba people, both at home and in the Diaspora, to redouble their efforts in the ongoing struggle for an independent Yoruba Nation.

In a message delivered to supporters through Koiki Media on Monday, Akintoye emphasised that freedom is never cheap and urged his people to be prepared to make sacrifices to achieve their aspirations.

Drawing parallels with the rapid development of China and India, Akintoye envisioned a technologically advanced and globally respected Yoruba Nation, rivalling the likes of the United States, Russia, and China.

Akintoye praised the role of the Yoruba diaspora, now estimated at around 11 million globally, in acquiring new skills and technologies that can fuel future development.

According to the 90-year-old professor, the Yoruba self-determination movement is approaching a decisive phase after years of overcoming setbacks and obstacles.

Akintoye encouraged all Yoruba people to commit themselves fully to the cause, praying: “God, make me one of the major forces in this struggle.”