Olasupo Ojo, the Coordinator of Legal Affairs, Yoruba Self-Determination Movement Worldwide, has given reasons why Germany and France would not allow Nigeria and France to sanction Benin Republic for not extraditing the agitator.
Ojo, who is the coordinating counsel for Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, said this while reacting to questions on the role of Germany and reports that Nigeria would sanction Benin Republic if the country fails to extradite Igboho, who is currently in a detention facility in Cotonou.
The lawyer, who is a guest on PUNCH Online’s programme, The Roundtable, explained that Germany is ready to accept Sunday Igboho despite his travails.
He also explained that Benin Republic is a francophone country colonised by France, adding that France as a world power would protect the sovereignty of its colonised region against external influence, including from Nigeria.
When asked about a letter supposedly written to Benin Republic requesting Igboho’s extradition, the lawyer said, “I am not aware of any letter. Assuming that the letter came from the Federal Government of Nigeria, what we insist on is that that they should do everything according to law.
“It is illegal and against international law to sanction Benin because of Igboho. Francophone countries comply with the rule of law. Also, Benin Republic is colonised by France. France is a superpower, Nigeria is not. So, how will that happen? I believe that they (Nigeria) know, they are wiser than that (threatening to impose sanctions).”
He also explained that Igboho is recognised by law to be the husband of a German citizen, Ropo, adding he has “some levels of protection” from Germany.
Credit: Punch