Abeokuta, Ogun State – The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has firmly defended Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over his recent anti-kidnapping campaign in Oyo State, insisting that the activist broke no law .
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere cautioned northern groups threatening Igboho over his actions, stressing that his campaign was directed at criminals and not at any ethnic group .
Igboho's Ultimatum to Kidnappers
Last weekend, Igboho visited his hometown in the Igboho-Igbeti-Kisi axis of Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, where he issued a two-hour ultimatum for the release of a pregnant woman and two other kidnap victims . He warned Fulani individuals involved in criminal activities such as kidnapping to desist immediately, while assuring law-abiding non-indigenes living peacefully in the area that they had nothing to fear .
Northern Groups Condemn Activist
His remarks drew sharp criticism from several prominent northern groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Coalition of Northern Groups, and Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria . The groups condemned the ultimatum and called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to rein in the Yoruba activist .
Afenifere Rejects Criticism
Reacting to the criticism, Afenifere maintained that there was absolutely nothing wrong with Igboho's position or actions .
"Since he was not violent in his actions nor conduct 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 organisation stated .
Afenifere argued that every community has a legitimate right to demand protection from criminal violence .
Historical Context of Insecurity
Afenifere noted that Yorubaland has historically remained one of the safest and most accommodating regions in Nigeria, hosting people from different ethnic backgrounds for many years . The group said tensions increased when some criminal elements allegedly began destroying farmlands and engaging in kidnapping and attacks on communities .
The organisation also pointed to allegations that illegal mining activities may be contributing to insecurity in parts of the country, claiming that some individuals involved in unlawful mining could be funding criminal activities after local communities have been displaced by violence .
Afenifere further claimed that some military officers had previously stated that certain criminal groups operating in the South-West were remnants of terrorists displaced from the Sambisa Forest by military operations .
The organisation insisted that Igboho's frustration was directed at kidnappers, bandits, and terrorists, not at Fulani people as an ethnic group . Rather than attacking those confronting insecurity, Afenifere urged northern leaders to focus on addressing the root causes of crime, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of education .
Call for State Police
Afenifere also used the opportunity to commend President Bola Tinubu for transmitting the executive bill on the establishment of state police to the National Assembly . The group urged federal and state lawmakers, as well as governors, to expedite action on the legislation in the national interest .
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