The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Thursday defended Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over his recent actions aimed at tackling insecurity in parts of the South-West, insisting that his campaign is directed at criminals and not any ethnic group.
The group also urged individuals and organisations issuing threats against the activist to maintain peace, stressing that Igboho’s interventions were focused on combating banditry and terrorism in Yorubaland rather than promoting ethnic hostility.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Afenifere said Igboho had not targeted any ethnic nationality but rather individuals and groups allegedly involved in violent crimes, kidnappings, and terror-related activities in the region.
The organisation maintained that there was nothing unlawful in Igboho’s position or his efforts to draw attention to insecurity affecting communities across the South-West.
Northern elders to Tinubu: Check Sunday Igboho before Nigeria slides into anarchy
The statement comes in the wake of renewed tensions following an ultimatum issued by Igboho after the abduction of a woman and her children in Igbope, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. He had demanded the release of the victims within two hours or threatened unspecified consequences.
Subsequently, a Fulani socio-cultural group, the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria, urged President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution Igboho over what it described as inflammatory remarks allegedly directed at Fulani communities.
However, Afenifere insisted that such calls for government intervention against Igboho amounted to blackmail, arguing that he had neither acted violently nor violated any known law.
According to the group, “Since he was not violent in his action nor conduct himself in a manner that violates the laws of the land, calling on the authorities to deal with him borders on blackmail.”
Afenifere further argued that Yorubaland had historically been a peaceful and accommodating region for people of different ethnic backgrounds, including settlers from northern Nigeria, many of whom it said have lived peacefully within local communities for decades.
The organisation, however, noted that the security situation began to deteriorate with rising cases of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on rural communities, which it attributed to criminal elements exploiting the region.
It also suggested that illegal mining activities in some areas may be linked to insecurity, alleging that displaced communities have sometimes been followed by individuals seeking control of mineral-rich lands.
Afenifere further stated that security challenges in the South-West are often connected to wider national issues, including poverty, unemployment, and the existence of large populations of uneducated and underserved youths who may become vulnerable to recruitment by criminal networks.
The group urged northern leaders to take steps to address the root causes of insecurity by improving welfare and preventing criminal recruitment pathways, while also calling for stronger cooperation between regions.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for forwarding the bill on the establishment of state police to the National Assembly, Afenifere also urged state governments to prepare for its implementation once passed.
It recommended that states establish well-trained and properly equipped policing structures supported by modern technology, adequate funding, and life insurance for personnel to enhance effectiveness.
The organisation reaffirmed its support for Igboho, maintaining that his advocacy should not be misconstrued as ethnic agitation but as a response to worsening insecurity affecting communities across the South-West.
