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Tag: Igboho

  • ECOWAS Court orders Benin Republic to pay Igboho CFA 20m for unlawful detention

    ECOWAS Court orders Benin Republic to pay Igboho CFA 20m for unlawful detention

    The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), sitting in Abuja, has ordered the government of the Republic of Benin to pay Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), the sum of 20 million CFA for unlawful detention and violation of his fundamental human rights.

    While giving judgment in a suit filed by Igboho in Abuja yesterday, the court directed the country to make the payment within three months from the day of judgment.

    Justices Gberi-Bé Ouattara, Sengu M. Koroma and Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro GONÇALVES, in a unanimous judgment also ordered Benin Republic government to present evidence of the payment to the court within the stipulated time.

    The suit was marked ‘ECW/CCJ/APP/15/22 Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) Vs Republic of Benin.’

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    Adeyemo sought enforcement of his fundamental human rights after he was arrested and detained on July 21, 2021 while travelling to Germany en route the neighbouring country. He was detained for more than one year.

    It is generally believed that his arrest and detention were ordered by the Nigerian government.

    He dragged Benin Republic before the ECOWAS Court, Abuja on February 10, 2022.

    The Department of State Security (DSS) personnel had stormed Igboho’s Soka, Ibadan home in the wee hours of July 1, 2021, shooting their way into the house. Two persons were killed in the operation, while 12 of his aides and supporters were arrested and taken to the headquarters of the security agency in Abuja for trial.

    The DSS accused Igboho of stockpiling arms with the aim of forcefully ejecting killer-herders from Southwest Nigeria.

    Counsel for the embattled agitator include Tosin Ojaomo, Aderemilekun Omojola, Dr Janet Fashakin, while Irene Aclombessi, represented the Republic of Benin.

    In the suit, Igboho prayed the court for an expedited hearing regarding his detention pursuant to Article 59 of Rules of Procedure.

    He also prayed for an order for his immediate and unconditional release along with his Nigerian passport, pending litigation and determination of damages, and any order as the court may deem fit.”

    Igboho had planned a Yoruba nation rally in Lagos two days before the raid of his house.

    He was granted bail over one year ago, but was only able to meet the bail conditions recently, which led to his release.

  • Igboho to security agencies: stop killer-herders

    Igboho to security agencies: stop killer-herders

    Yoruba nation agitator Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) yesterday called on security agencies to step up actions against herders killing farmers, destroying their farmlands and raping their wives and daughters.

    Igboho said the killer-herders must be stripped from igniting another tension in the land, particularly in the Southwest.

    The president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Abdullahi Bodejo had dismissed the quit notice recently issued to Fulani herders in the Southwest by Igboho, saying Nigerians are allowed to reside and work anywhere they choose in the country.

    But Igboho, in a statement yesterday, said the country’s constitution does not support mindless killing of farmers, rape of their wives and destruction of farmlands, ‘which were rampant during the Muhammadu Buhari administration’. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu will not tolerate such criminality.

    Describing Bodejo as a mere attention seeker, Igboho emphasised that though Nigeria’s constitution allows citizens to reside in any part of the country, ‘it however does not support herders, under whatever guise, to graze their cattle on the farmlands, kill farmers struggling to eke out a living and rape their wives and daughters’.

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    The statement reads: “It is imperative for Miyetti Allah to know that lawlessness will not hold sway under President Bola Tinubu. It will do them a lot of good to perish the thought of unprovoked attacks on farmers, particularly in the Southwest where we have lost many innocent farmers. Relevant security agencies and the people will not allow them to further compound the woes of the common man.

    “We are again charging the heads of security agencies to redouble their efforts and strategies to sustain peace and tranquillity in the country so that farmers and agrarian communities will not be subjected to terror and violent attacks by rogue herders and cattle rustlers.

    “While we believe in the efficiency of the Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other paramilitary agencies to ensure security of lives and properties, we want to charge our people to be vigilant and quickly report any act capable of breaching the peace in their respective communities and locations.”

  • Igboho calls for investigation of herdsmen attacks in Oyo, Ogun communities

    Igboho calls for investigation of herdsmen attacks in Oyo, Ogun communities

    Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) has called on security agencies to fish out and prosecute herders who allegedly attacked farmers in Iwere-Ile, Oyo State and some communities in Ogun State recently.

    Igboho in a statement on Sunday said farmers in Yoruba land, and in any part of Nigeria deserve safety from criminal herders and others who will not allow them farm
    in peace.

    The statement read: “We are calling on the Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Army to address the security breaches now before the situation gets out of hand.

    “We are saddened that the killings of our farmers innocently eking their living have started rearing their ugly head again. This worrisome development calls for sober reflection bearing in mind the current hardship in the country.

    “The recent ambush and killing of operatives of Amotekun Security Corps, including other security agents who were trying to restore normalcy in Iwere-Ile community after the suspected Fulani herdsmen have murdered our kinsmen in Iwere-Ile must be investigated and the culprits must be made to face the music.

    Read Also: Tinubu had no hand in Igboho’s freedom, say Akintoye

    “While we commend Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde and his counterparts in Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for their efforts to ensure peace and healthy developments in their respective states, we are challenging the heads of security agencies to act now before the situation worsens.

    “However, while we believe in the peaceful coexistence in Nigeria regardless of tribe, religion and political cleavages, we are issuing a-seven day ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen killing our people in any part of Southwest to vacate our communities now. This warning is very important. We are not going to take laws into our hands, but they must leave.

    “For now, we have belief in the capability of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to ensure and guarantee the safety of lives and properties, particularly farmers in Nigeria. We must not tolerate any act that can further push up the prices of food and other edible commodities.

    “We are also appealing to Oyo and Ogun State governors to as a matter of urgency deploy more security agents and architectures to all the flashpoints where there is increase in Fulani herdsmen/farmers clashes for peace to reign.

    “Nigerians and our farmers in agrarian settlements need security presence now so that they can engage in small or large scale farming activities for food production. These killings must stop now for the benefit of all.”

  • Ohanaeze draws parallel between Igboho, Kanu

    Ohanaeze draws parallel between Igboho, Kanu

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo socio-cultural organisation, must be applauded for its tenacity in pleading the cause of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The IPOB leader has been in detention since his rendition from Kenya in July 2021. He is charged with offences relating to treason. Since his detention, IPOB has, however, become considerably militarised, especially with the formation of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), an affiliate organisation also based in the Southeast. The previous administration had no interest in releasing him under the guise of any political formula. But Igbo leaders hope the current administration will be more amenable to releasing him.

    Read Also: Tinubu had no hand in Igboho’s freedom, say Akintoye

    Ohanaeze has now seized upon the release from Benin Republic detention of Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba self-determination activist also hounded by the Nigerian security services in 2021, to request for the release of Mr Kanu. Said Ohanaeze:  “Ohanaeze Ndigbo firmly believes that President Tinubu will be hailed as a national hero if he seizes this opportunity to release Nnamdi Kanu. The organization acknowledges that Nigerians who felt denigrated by Kanu’s actions should find it in their hearts to forgive him, as his release will mark a significant step towards national unity and reconciliation. We express our gratitude to President Talon, Yoruba leaders, and political figures for their efforts in securing Sunday Igboho’s release. The organisation remains hopeful that President Tinubu will embrace this historic opportunity and contribute to the restoration of peace and harmony in Nigeria.”

    But there is no parallel, legal or political, between the Benin Republic case against Mr Igboho and the case in Nigeria against Mr Kanu. The first is unlikely to influence the second. Ohanaeze is right to seek Mr Kanu’s release, on whatever terms, but they are wrong to predicate it on Mr Igboho’s case in Benin Republic. They should look for better reasons and be prepared to give bigger assurances to the Nigerian government to get Mr Kanu freed.     

  • Tinubu had no hand in Igboho’s freedom, say Akintoye

    Tinubu had no hand in Igboho’s freedom, say Akintoye

    Contrary to claims by some Igbo militant leaders, the leader of Yoruba Self-determination Movement Prof. Banji Akintoye has stated that President Bola Tinubu was not responsible for the freedom of Yoruba nation agitator Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) from Benin Republic.

    Igboho regained freedom in Benin Republic last week after months of restriction in Benin Republic where he was arraigned for his agitation in Nigeria.

    Akintoye, in a statement by his spokesman Gani Alagbala, explained that contrary to claims in a viral video by an unnamed Igbo militant leader that President Tinubu should release Nnamdi Kanu the same way he released Igboho, the President had no hand in Igboho’s freedom.

    Kanu, who is the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is standing trial in Abuja and is being detained by the Department of State Security (DSS).

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    Akintoye’s statement read in part: “Although we will not fault our Igbo brothers, nor criticise them for seeking the freedom of their leader NMK in any way, we must set the record straight. The Nigerian authorities and administration under the presidency of Bola Ahmed Tinubu had no hands in the release and total freedom of our frontliner Chief Sunday Adeyemo (a.k.a Igboho).

    “We give the credit to God Almighty, then the efforts of our leadership in this Yoruba Nation Struggle supported by well-meaning friends at home and abroad.

    “This has been a tedious and tasking process, but we give glory to God that granted us success in Sunday’s freedom at last.

    “We strongly deny the involvement of any politician or officials of the Nigerian government in all these processes, for simply there was none.

    “Our appreciation again goes to Benin Republic government for not denying us justice at last , despite any political pressure.

    “And we wish our Igbo brother Mazi Nnamdi Kanu a quicker release from incarceration.”

  • I’m now free to return home, says Igboho

    I’m now free to return home, says Igboho

    • Thanks benefactors, supporters

    Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho), yesterday indicated freedom to leave Cotonou, Benin Republic, for Nigeria, after almost two years in the French-speaking West African country.

    Igboho in a statement titled: ‘My Release in Benin Republic,‘ and backed with a video, wrote: “First of all, my sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.

    “I give special thanks to President Talon of Benin Republic and to all members of his cabinet. My gratitude goes to my heroic father, Prof. Banji Akintoye, and Prof. Wole Soyinka for their support in the course of the struggle. May God reward you Baba for your standing courageously for our Yoruba nation and me. You promised to stand by me through my ordeal in Benin Republic and you have fulfilled your promise.”

    “I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom. Let me take this opportunity to say thank you to all religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics and traditional worshippers for their prayers day and night.

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    “Our royal fathers, obas and chiefs in Yoruba land, your love and support are so appreciated. But we need more of your support to deliver our lands from slavery because Yoruba land is ours.

    “Although I have many Obas on my list, Olugbon of Orile Igbon and deputy chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Kabiesi Oba Topspin o ni Bariga of Bariga, Oba Tejuoso, Oni Kenta of Orile Kenta, Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan Obateru, thanks immensely for your love.

    “I must not forget to appreciate the mega rally USA under Prophet Ologunloluwa and the Directorate under the leadership of Barrister Ogedengbe. Special thanks to Ilana Omo Oodua, Canada and Igbega Omo Oodua USA and Canada.

    “Chief Dele Momodu, I really appreciate you, sir, thank you so much. Special thanks to all media outlets; both print and electronic, including online media.

    To all our political class and Obas in Yoruba land, let’s join hands to make Yoruba great. All my brothers from the East, I appreciate your support.”

    Igboho was arrested on July 20, 2021, while trying to travel to Germany at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou, Benin Republic, three weeks after he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    He was later granted bail and had since remained in Cotonou until he issued the statement yesterday.

    The agitator, however, did not reveal when he will return to Nigeria.

  • I am ready to return to Nigeria, says Igboho, thanks benefactors, supporters

    I am ready to return to Nigeria, says Igboho, thanks benefactors, supporters

    Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) on Sunday indicated freedom to leave Cotonou, Benin Republic, for Nigeria, after almost two years in the French-speaking West African nation.

    Igboho, who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune from Cotonou, said: “I am now free to return to Nigeria and visit any country in the world. I have fulfilled all the legal conditions attached to my bail a few years back and I am coming home to Nigeria, my country of origin, any moment from now.

    “I can confirm to you that I am now free to come back to Nigeria. There is no legal encumbrance again. Even though I have been living in Cotonou for some time, I can confirm to you categorically that I have now secured the liberty to leave Cotonou for Nigeria”

    He commended some prominent Yoruba indigenes, politicians, media, academia and Yoruba monarchs for what he called the critical support and solidarity he enjoyed from them while his sojourn in Cotonou lasted.

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    Igboho in a statement entitled: “My Release in Benin Republic,” he wrote: “First of all, my sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.

    “I give special thanks to President Talon of Benin Republic and to all members of his cabinet. My gratitude goes to my heroic father, Professor Banji Akintoye, and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support in the course of the struggle. May God reward you Baba for your standing courageously for our Yoruba nation and me. You promised to stand by me through my ordeal in Benin Republic and you have fulfilled your promise.

    “I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom. Let me use this opportunity to say thank you to all religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics and traditional worshippers for their prayers day and night.

    “Our royal fathers, Obas and Chiefs in Yoruba land, your love and support are so appreciated. But we need more of your support to deliver our lands from slavery because Yoruba land is ours.

    “Although I have many Obas on my list, Olugbon of Orile Igbon and deputy chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Kabiesi Oba Topspin o ni Bariga of Bariga, Oba Tejuoso, Oni Kenta of Orile Kenta, Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan Obateru, thanks immensely for your love.

    “I must not forget to appreciate the Megarally USA under Prophet Ologunloluwa and the Directorate under the leadership of Barrister Ogedengbe. Special thanks to Ilana Omo Oodua, Canada and Igbega Omo Oodua USA and Canada.

    “Chief Dele Momodu, I really appreciate you, sir, thank you so much. Special thanks to all media outlets; both print and electronic, including online media.

    To all our political class and Obas in Yoruba land, let’s join hands to make Yoruba great. All my brothers from the East, I appreciate your support.”

    Igboho was arrested on July 20, 2021, while trying to travel to Germany at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou, Benin Republic, three weeks after he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    He was later granted bail and had since remained in Cotonou until he issued the statement yesterday.

    The agitator, however, did not reveal when he will return to Nigeria.

  • Yoruba elders seek return of Akintoye, Igboho from exile

    Yoruba elders seek return of Akintoye, Igboho from exile

    The Yoruba Council of Elders has urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for the return of Professor Banji Akintoye and Yoruba self-determination activist Sunday Igboho  who went into exile during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The Yoruba elders lamented that those in exile were harassed for advocating proper and dignified treatment of their law-abiding kinsmen.

    The elders’ request  was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the council’s meeting of the Secretary-General and state secretaries held in Ado Ekiti. The communiqué was signed by the YCE scribe, Elder Oladipo Oyewole and Publicity Secretary, Elder Niyi Ajibulu.

    The duo said that the meeting also deliberated on the presentation of a book, ‘Yoruba Renaissance, Challenges and Prospects’.

    They described the book, written by Sir Egunjobi, a renowned educationist, as “a timely enunciation of Yoruba history and contemporary affairs which succinctly illuminates both recurring and emerging challenges and prospects to the Yoruba experience”.

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    They called on the Federal Government to reaffirm its responsibility to provide equal protection to all citizens and constituent groups in the country.

    They equally called on former President Olusegun Obasanjo to apologise to Oyo monarchs for ‘a shameful affront to the dignity of Yoruba tradition and culture.’

    They criticised Obasanjo for desecrating the Yoruba cultural heritage, tradition and values while urging the former president to make restitution.

    The elders stated, “The YCE takes exception to the humiliation recently meted out to various traditional rulers of Oyo State by Chief Obasanjo upon the claim of status as a former Head of State. This malfeasance constitutes a shameful affront to the dignity of Yoruba tradition and culture and thus stand condemned”.

    Oyewole and Ajibulu added: “To start with, the book presentation visits shall be made to the governors of the Yoruba states in due honour of their statuses as the chief executive officers of their various states.

    According to them, Yoruba Renaissance, Challenges and Prospects the Book is a compendium of efforts made to ensure the enviable leadership position of the Yoruba in the “arrangement” called Nigeria. It delves into many aspects of frontline activities (historical, social, economic, political e.t.c). Our author is Sir. Egunjobi a renowned educationist from Ekiti State.

    “The book is a timely enunciation of Yoruba history and contemporary affairs which succinctly illuminates both recurring and emerging challenges and prospects to the Yoruba experience.”