Pan- Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, has commended the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji Ogungunniso 1, for sending a delegation to Cotonou, the Republic of Benin, where Yoruba Nation activist, Mr Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, is facing trial.
The group also commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II who, last week, set up the Ooni Caucus meant to work on various issues pertaining to Yoruba interests, including the travail presently being faced by Igboho
Igboho is the arrowhead of activists agitating for a Yoruba Nation and putting an end to harm being inflicted on farmers and women in Yoruba land by Fulani herders.
The commendation was contained in a release issued on behalf of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, acting Leader of Afenifere by Comrade Jare Ajayi, national publicity secretary of the group.
It would be recalled that Olubadan, disclosed publicly through his spokesman, Mr Adeola Oloko, that he had raised a delegation to be at the court where the Yoruba agitator is being tried in Cotonou.
It was while the monarch was hosting the executive council members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by its president, Prince Yemisi on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Also, the Afenifere leader lauded some kings and Yoruba communities in the Benin Republic, who were reported to have mobilized heavily in support of Igboho, “for ensuring that an Oduduwa son, Igboho, does not suffer unjustly.”
The elder statesman, while giving the commendation, noted that what is now regarded as Sunday Igboho travail ought not to have occurred at all, if there had been good governance in Nigeria and people were not harassed without any just cause.
Adebanjo, however, urged other obas in Yorubaland and other prominent people to emulate the good examples of Olubadan and Ooni.
Speaking further, the elder statesman said it was sad that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was concentrating on hunting and harassing those who were seeking relief from the oppressive situation in the country while shying away from tackling the menaces of kidnapping, terrorism and antics bordering on ethnic cleansing.
“It is so sad that President Muhammadu Buhari administration is concentrating on hunting and harassing those who are seeking relief from the oppressive situation in Nigeria while shying away from tackling the menaces of kidnapping, terrorism and antics bordering on ethnic cleansing,” he said.
On the propriety of Igboho trying to escape abroad, the pan- Yoruba group leader maintained that there was nothing strange or wrong with such, recalling that history was replete with conveyors of a new order having to seek refuge outside their immediate environment at least for a time.
“We recall that Moses had to be taken away from the prying eyes of Pharaoh and his agents in Egypt. Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) too had to leave his hometown, Mecca for Medina in order to escape persecution. Thus, there is nothing wrong in Igboho seeking a respite first to preserve his life and perhaps to re-strategize,” Adebanjo said.
Afenifere accused the Federal Government of going after freedom agitators while looking the other side those who were known to be behind terrorism in the country, saying its conduct, the government was giving people reasons to believe the allegation that it was pursuing a Fulanisation agenda, even as it declared that harassment of freedom agitators and innocent citizens must stop forthwith.
“By its conduct, the government is giving people reasons to believe the allegation that it is pursuing a Fulanisation agenda. Harassment of freedom agitators and innocent citizens must stop forthwith,” the release said.
Credit: Nigeria Tribune