Yoruba Union Rubbishies Tinubu Over #FreeNnamdiKanuNow Protest; Says “Very Shameful That You Benefitted From Activism But Turned State Machinery On Peaceful Protesters”
Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has stated that it is very “shameful and disappointing” for President Bola Tinubu, who once benefitted from activism and public resistance to turn the machinery of the state against peaceful protesters demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
The Yoruba group also accused Tinubu’s administration of allegedly plotting to assassinate human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, for his continuous advocacy for justice and democracy in Nigeria.
The group warned that any harm that befalls Sowore would be met with strong resistance from Yoruba people and could spark international condemnation.
In a statement released on Sunday and jointly signed by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group condemned the attack on Sowore during the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja, describing it as a “premeditated attempt on his life.”
According to the statement, security operatives reportedly fired live bullets and tear gas at peaceful protesters demanding the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The Union noted that Sowore was deliberately targeted by state agents for his unwavering criticism of the government’s disregard for court orders and human rights violations.
“Our attention has been drawn to the violent attack during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest in Abuja, where Nigerian security agencies opened live fire on peaceful demonstrators. It was clear that Sowore was a primary target.
“We condemn this action in its entirety and hold the Tinubu administration responsible for any attempt to silence him through intimidation or violence.”
The Yoruba Union described Sowore as a “hero of democracy and justice” who has consistently stood for truth and the oppressed, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The group said it was unacceptable that a government led by a Yoruba man was allegedly using state forces to hunt a fellow Yoruba son who had dedicated his life to fighting injustice.
“It is shameful and disappointing that President Tinubu, who once benefitted from activism and public resistance, has now turned the machinery of the state against genuine activists like Sowore,” the Union said.
“Instead of protecting peaceful citizens, the government now treats protesters as enemies while negotiating and rehabilitating known terrorists.”
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá further argued that Tinubu’s government had lost the moral right to lead Nigeria, citing its continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu despite Supreme Court judgments ordering his release.
“If the court has discharged and acquitted Nnamdi Kanu, why is he still in detention? A government that claims to uphold the rule of law should not cherry-pick which court orders to obey,” the group said.
Calling for international attention, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá announced plans to petition the United States government, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United Nations to investigate what it described as “state-sponsored persecution” of activists in Nigeria.
The group urged the foreign governments to caution President Tinubu and hold his administration accountable for any further attacks on human rights defenders especially on Sowore.
“With the orchestrated violence witnessed in Abuja, Tinubu has shown he does not deserve the seat of the presidency,” the statement concluded. “His government has become a symbol of oppression, and Nigerians must resist any attempt to silence voices of freedom and justice.”
“We, as Omoluabi, will not tolerate injustice or tyranny. Nigeria cannot move forward when activists are being hunted and silenced for demanding fairness and justice.”
