The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has defended Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, against criticisms from northern groups over his recent ultimatum to kidnappers operating in parts of Oyo State.
Afenifere urged the groups threatening Igboho to refrain from escalating tensions, insisting that the activist’s actions were aimed solely at protecting Yorubaland from criminal elements involved in kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, the organisation stressed that Igboho was not targeting any ethnic group but rather individuals and groups engaged in criminal activities within the South-West.
The controversy followed Igboho’s visit to his hometown of Igboho in Oyo State after reports of fresh abductions along the Igboho-Igbeti-Kisi axis of Oke Ogun. During the visit, he reportedly issued a two-hour ultimatum to kidnappers holding a pregnant woman and two other victims, demanding their immediate release or face consequences.
Igboho also warned criminal elements, particularly those involved in kidnapping, to desist from such activities. He further cautioned local residents against collaborating with kidnappers while assuring law-abiding non-indigenes living in the area that they had nothing to fear.
His remarks, however, drew criticism from several northern organisations, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Coalition of Northern Groups, and Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria. The groups called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to caution the Yoruba activist.
Responding, Afenifere maintained that there was nothing unlawful in Igboho’s position, arguing that he neither acted violently nor violated any law in his efforts to safeguard communities from insecurity.
“Since he was not violent in his action nor conducted himself in a manner that violates the laws of the land, calling on the authorities to deal with him borders on blackmail and an attempt to call a dog a bad name with a view to having it hanged,” the statement read.
The organisation further noted that Yorubaland has long been a peaceful home to people from different parts of the country, including many northerners who have lived and conducted their businesses in the region without discrimination.
According to Afenifere, tensions only began to rise when some criminal elements allegedly operating under the guise of herding activities started destroying farmlands, while incidents of kidnapping and attacks on communities increased across parts of the South-West.
The group also linked insecurity in some affected communities to illegal mining activities, alleging that certain criminal networks involved in illicit mineral exploitation may be financing acts of violence and displacement.
Afenifere therefore called for greater focus on tackling insecurity rather than criticising individuals speaking out against criminality, insisting that the safety of lives and property in Yorubaland must remain a priority.
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