By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
A Yoruba socio-political organisation, the Yoruba Commitment Group (YCG), has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the removal of Yoruba rights activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, from the Federal Government’s list of wanted persons.
In a statement jointly signed by Otunba Tayo Onayemi (Convener), Chief Olugbenga Oyewusi, Mrs Buky Tunde Oshunrinde, Barr. Akeem Aponmade (Secretary) and Dr Olukayode Olunuga, the group also thanked traditional rulers across Yorubaland for working behind the scenes to secure the development.
The group described Igboho as a courageous defender of the Yoruba race, saying he fought against the activities of Fulani terrorists.
Igboho’s ordeal began in 2021 when he intervened in Igangan, in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State, following complaints by residents of incessant attacks, kidnappings and killings allegedly perpetrated by armed herders. In the company of security personnel, he met community leaders and urged suspected attackers to leave the area.
The YCG alleged that federal authorities subsequently moved against Igboho, leading to a raid on his Ibadan residence in July 2021 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The raid reportedly led to the death of two persons and extensive damage to property.
While appreciating President Tinubu for removing Igboho’s name from the wanted list, the group described the action as “magnanimous and statesmanlike,” adding that it demonstrated a commitment to justice and reconciliation.
The statement partly read, “In the classics, it is not the fate of most heroes to end well. What no one forgets easily are the feats that make a hero. Before our very eyes, and within our confines, the hunter became the hunted.”
“It is appreciation to a Yoruba son, who stood to be counted when none other did. It is a deserving applause for risking it all, in the face of mass capture.”
“The appreciation and applause naturally extend to our royal fathers who saw to the loosening of the noose around the neck of a worthy subject. Royal homage to you all, sirs.”
“Today, we join well-meaning men and women, within and outside Yorubaland, to celebrate the return of the defender of our pride, Sunday Igboho.”
“We thank you, and so do our ancestors! You are a worthy son of Oduduwa. Welcome back to the land of your birth. Welcome back too to the freedom struggle of Yorubaland.”
The group expressed optimism that with continued engagement between traditional institutions and federal authorities, outstanding issues surrounding Igboho’s case would be fully resolved in the interest of peace, unity and stability in the South-West and the nation at large.
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