Yoruba freedom fighter Sunday Adeyemo, commonly referred to as Sunday Igboho, has reported that amid reservations about his safety by family members, he remains undeterred in his bid to free the South-West from killer herdsmen.
Igboho has been in the news in recent weeks for asking herders, reportedly responsible for the farmers-herders’ crisis, to leave some communities in the states of Oyo and Ogun.
After his visit to Igangan in Oyo State’s Ibarapa North Local Government District, Seriki Fulani’s home in the area was demolished by angry youths. One of Igbo’s houses in Ibadan, the capital of the state of Oyo, was destroyed by fire by unidentified persons in what appears to be a reprisal.
Igboho said in an interview with PUNCH on Sunday that no human being could kill him and that he would not be disturbed. I am not afraid of anything or anything but God,” the Yoruba warlord was quoted as saying, “. God is the soul’s owner and controller. It is only God who is capable of destroying me.
No human being can kill me, so no mortal can be afraid of me.
My children threaten me and convince me every day to leave. Every time, they wave the warning sign at me. My wife is still really concerned about the cause that I am fighting for, but regardless, I have to do this for my people’s liberation.
But I am equally concerned about my people, who are being dehumanized and marginalized for no mere cause in their own territory. Many who are expected to solve the problem actually fold their arms and watch because they have been compromised. This fight is for the good of all, so that they will not live in subjugation when I am gone.
In the Ibarapa Local Government Area of the state, the state governor, Seyi Makinde, had kicked against the exit notice given by Igboho to Fulani citizens. Commenting on the creation, Igboho said that he will work in accordance with the governor because “he acknowledges that we have a fundamental right to protect our people and their interests.”
The activist said he was prepared to participate in constructive discussions on the burning security issue and to end the impunity enjoyed by killer herders.
He said it was only after the marauders stopped the killings and kidnappings of Yoruba people. He added: “We are sure that the governor is able to feel the pulse of the people who feel the heat of the killer herdsmen, and we believe that he will rise to the occasion and do what is necessary.” If they call me for a meeting to discuss a burning security problem in order to put an end to the impunity of the killer herders, I will gladly compel them. I am ready for any genuine approach to stop the madness of the herders in Yorubaland against our parents, brothers and sisters. Why should our people go through all these terrible things, innocuous for that matter, without having justice? And they’re all folding their backs, looking on as if nothing was wrong.
He called upon the people of Yoruba to be united and to avoid playing politics with people’s lives. He said that the royal fathers, leaders, youth and elders in Yorubaland should speak in one voice, without discord.
According to him, the leaders of the Yoruba should note “that this same set of people sewed down the first Oyo Empire.” The second empire of Oyo in Igboho, Oyo, was likewise defeated by the same people. This time, all the Yoruba people must protect our people.
