By James Orji
Professor Wole Soyinka says the government of the Republic of Benin has no reason to continue to keep Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho in prison in perpetuity.
The Yoruba Nation activist has been in prison in the West African nation where he’s standing trial over immigration related issues.
He was arrested last month by immigration officials while he was trying to flee to Germany alongside his wife. The embattled activist had been declared wanted by the Department of State Services, DSS in Nigeria over his secessionist agitation and allege gun running.
Prominent South West leaders have demanded his unconditional release by the Beninois authority.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday during an interactive session titled, “Sanctions on the loose: Chasing the gnat with a sledgehammer,” the Nobel Laureate said the activist committed no crime.
Soyinka stated, “He is against Fulani herdsmen tyranny and threw out criminal herdsmen terrorising his neighbourhood. That’s his real crime. I refuse to accept that Igboho is being chased because he peacefully demonstrated his position vis-a-vis the destiny of this nation which is a fundamental human right of anybody.
“Somebody called for secession or a separate state, I don’t consider that (a criminal act) and nowhere is that declared a criminal act as long as it’s done peacefully and collectively within the law. You don’t criminalise the action and in addition commit a criminal act against such an individual.
“That was what the security services did by raiding Igboho’s home at 2am, killing two of his people and claiming, without a warrant or anything, that they found weapons in his house. Who is going to believe that cock and bull story?
“This is an appeal to the government of the Republic of Benin. Why are you keeping the victim in your prison? What crime did he commit against your state that you are holding him in prison, instead of letting him continue his journey? Igboho has not committed any crime against any known law in this nation. Thus, to ask for his repatriation is adding insult to injury.
You invaded his house, destroyed his property, chased him into the wilderness and you are pursuing him. We ask the government of the Republic of Benin to release the man to continue his business which was interrupted unjustly. Please, rectify this error and don’t compound t any further by holding Sunday Igboho in prison one day long,’ Soyinka said.
