Afenifere Defends Sunday Igboho, Says Activist Violated No Law

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has defended Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, insisting that his recent actions against kidnappers in parts of Oyo State did not breach any Nigerian law.

In a statement issued by the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, Afenifere urged northern organisations criticising Igboho to refrain from what it described as attempts to distract from the fight against insecurity in the South-West. The group maintained that Igboho’s comments were directed at criminals responsible for kidnapping, banditry and terrorism rather than any ethnic community.

The controversy followed a recent visit by Igboho to his hometown in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, after a series of abductions along the Igboho-Igbeti-Kisi corridor. During the visit, he reportedly gave kidnappers a two-hour ultimatum to release a pregnant woman and two other abducted victims or face consequences.

He also warned individuals involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes to desist, while cautioning local residents against collaborating with criminal elements. At the same time, Igboho assured non-indigenes living peacefully in the area that they had no reason to fear.

His remarks drew criticism from several northern organisations, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and the Concerned Fulani People of Nigeria. The groups called on President Bola Tinubu and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene and caution the activist.

Responding to the criticism, Afenifere argued that there was nothing unlawful about Igboho’s conduct, stressing that he neither resorted to violence nor acted outside the bounds of the law.

According to the organisation, demands for government action against him amount to an attempt to criminalise legitimate concerns over the worsening security situation in Yorubaland. It insisted that communities have the right to demand protection from kidnappers and other violent criminals.

Afenifere further noted that the South-West has historically welcomed Nigerians from different parts of the country, many of whom have lived peacefully alongside indigenous communities for decades.

However, it claimed that tensions increased following repeated incidents involving the destruction of farmlands by some armed herders, as well as rising cases of kidnapping and attacks on rural communities. The organisation also alleged that illegal mining activities in parts of the region have contributed to insecurity, claiming that criminal groups often exploit displaced communities to gain access to mineral-rich areas.

The group reiterated its call for stronger measures to tackle insecurity across the South-West, maintaining that efforts aimed at protecting lives and property should not be politicised. It also welcomed ongoing discussions on state policing as part of broader reforms to improve internal security across Nigeria.