By Akinwale Kasali
Yoruba Nation’s agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, aka, Sunday Igboho, still a long walk to freedom. He is being tried in a Court in Cotonou, Benin Republic, after he was arrested at an airport. He was escaping from Nigeria, alongside his German wife, to Germany, after the Directorate of State Services, DSS, declared him wanted over sundry issues.
Since his arrest, the battle to grant him bail, asylum, and/or release him to continue his trip has been tough. His wife, Ropo, a German citizen, has been released.
But Igboho’s lawyer said he, Igboho, has had it rough, as he was chained in the cell.
Igboho has, however, had tremendous support from across the Yoruba, home and abroad. On Monday, after an eight-hour hearing, the court granted him access to his doctor, and remanded him in prison custody. He had been in the custody of the Police since his arrest.
The Afenifere, Pan Yoruba Group, led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, has lauded the moves and impact made by the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Ogunwusi Adeyeye and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Olatunji. Both Royalties sent delegations to Cotonou, to witness Igboho’s Court appearances, and show solidarity with him.
In a statement by Jare Ajayi, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, the group said there is nothing wrong with Igboho seeking asylum to preserve his life.
The group also accused the Federal Government of hunting “those seeking relief from the oppressive situation in Nigeria” while neglecting kidnappers and terrorists.
“We recall that Moses had to be taken away from the prying eyes of Pharaoh and his agents in Egypt. Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) too had to leave his hometown, Mecca for Medina in order to escape persecution,” the group said.
“Thus, there is nothing wrong in Igboho seeking a respite first to preserve his life and perhaps to re-strategise.
“What is now regarded as Sunday Igboho travail ought not to occur at all if there had been good governance in Nigeria and people are not harassed without any just cause.
“It is so sad that President Muhammadu Buhari administration is concentrating on hunting and harassing those who are seeking relief from the oppressive situation in Nigeria while shying away from tackling the menaces of kidnapping, terrorism and antics bordering on ethnic cleansing.
“By its conduct, the government is giving people reasons to believe the allegation that it is pursuing a Fulanisation agenda. Harassment of freedom agitators and innocent citizens must stop forthwith.”
Afenifere urged other monarchs and prominent people in Yorubaland to emulate the Ooni and Olubadan.
