Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho has insisted that
his advocacy is directed against criminality, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other violent crimes that have affected communities across Yorubaland.
Igboho stated this while reading to a petipetition purportedly written by the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State chapter, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jiji, as well as the recent public remarks credited to the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde concerning private security organizations operating within the state.
Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki in a statement on Wednesday, rejected the allegations contained in the petition suggesting that Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho threatened the Fulani community in Igboho Kingdom.
“Our attention has been drawn to a petition purportedly written by the Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jiji, as well as the recent public remarks credited to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, concerning private security organizations operating within the state.
“As the official spokesperson to Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho, I find it necessary to set the record straight and reassure the people of Yorubaland and the general public.
“We reject the allegations contained in the petition suggesting that Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho threatened the Fulani community in Igboho Kingdom,” he said.
According to him, these allegations are false, misleading, and do not accurately reflect what transpired.
“At no point has Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho declared war against any ethnic group or law-abiding resident of Oyo State.
“Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho has consistently maintained that his advocacy is directed against criminality, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, and other violent crimes that have affected communities across Yorubaland.
“His position has always been clear: law-abiding citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion, have nothing to fear”, he said.
He added that the people of Igboho, traditional rulers, community leaders, and numerous residents could attest to Igboho’s longstanding commitment to peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives.
“His actions have continued to receive the support of many within the affected communities because they see him as someone who has consistently spoken out against insecurity.
“We are, however, surprised that the Oyo State Government appears to have reacted to the petition and recent public discussions without first inviting Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho or his representatives to present their own account.
“Fairness and the principles of natural justice require that all parties be heard before conclusions are reached on matters of public concern.
“We respectfully urge the Government of Oyo State to remain impartial and to avoid relying solely on allegations that have not been independently established.
“Constructive engagement with all stakeholders is more likely to strengthen public confidence and promote lasting peace”, he added.
Regarding the governor’s statement that all community security groups must operate within the framework of the law, he said “we wish to state that Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho has always emphasized respect for lawful authority.
“Any community-based security initiative should work in accordance with applicable laws and in cooperation with the appropriate government and security institutions.
“Our collective objective should be the protection of lives and property, not the politicization of security concerns.
“The fight against criminality requires cooperation among government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities,” he added.
He, therefore, called on all residents of Oyo State to remain peaceful, refrain from spreading misinformation, and allow facts to guide public discourse, saying “We also encourage the state government to continue engaging all stakeholders in the interest of justice, security, and peaceful coexistence.
He added that Igboho remains committed to peace, the rule of law, and the safety of every law-abiding resident of Yorubaland.
