Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has refuted claims that he opposed the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho clarified that he is not connected to the protest, reaffirming his commitment to the actualization of the Yoruba Nation.
Koiki labeled the reports as “false” and “propaganda,” designed to undermine Igboho’s dedication to Yoruba self-determination and to deter public participation in the protests. He stressed that Igboho’s stance remains unchanged, supporting the quest for Yoruba freedom.
Koiki referenced a letter sent to President Bola Tinubu on April 17, which requested negotiations for a peaceful Yoruba exit from Nigeria. This letter, also signed by Prof. AdeBanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM), and Ola Ademola, asked President Tinubu to form a negotiation team within two months, with the request expiring on June 13, 2024.
On July 25, 2024, Igboho visited Oba Benjamin Olanite, the Onimeko of Imeko in Ogun State, where he reiterated his commitment to a sovereign Yoruba nation and expressed gratitude for the monarch’s role in securing his release from detention in Benin Republic. Igboho emphasized that his focus is on Yoruba self-determination and that he and Prof. Akintoye are not involved in the upcoming protests.
While Igboho supports Nigerians’ right to protest against economic challenges such as inflation and poverty, his efforts are directed towards achieving Yoruba independence under international self-determination principles. Koiki urged media outlets to refrain from spreading misinformation about Igboho’s stance and to respect Nigerians’ right to protest if they choose to.
The statement also revealed that another letter would be sent to President Tinubu and international bodies to further negotiations for Yoruba’s exit from Nigeria. It noted that Nigeria’s current economic crisis, marked by high inflation and a devalued national currency, has led to widespread hardship. Despite recent increases in the minimum wage to N70,000 ($43) per month, inflation and currency devaluation have left many Nigerians struggling.
The economic crisis is largely attributed to President Tinubu’s policies, including the partial removal of fuel subsidies and currency floating, which have driven up prices. As Nigeria faces these challenges, some regions are preparing for protests, though leaders and residents of the southeastern region, home to the Igbo ethnic group, have stated they will not participate.
In January 2012, President Tinubu and several current government officials mobilized Nigerians in the “Occupy Nigeria” protest against former President Goodluck Jonathan’s plan to remove fuel subsidies. The protest gained widespread support and pressured Jonathan’s administration to suspend the subsidy removal plan.
The planned protests have sparked debate on social media, with criticism directed at those who supported similar protests against former President Jonathan’s subsidy removal but now oppose such actions under Tinubu’s administration. Amidst the national turmoil, Igboho remains focused on advocating for Yoruba rights and self-determination.
Credit: SaharaReporters