Yoruba Union Rubbishies Tinubu, IGP Over Sowore’s Arrest, Says ‘Yoruba Man Shouldn’t Be The Face Of Oppression’
The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has condemned the arrest of human rights activist, journalist, and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, by security operatives allegedly acting on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group accused the Tinubu-led administration of waging a relentless war against journalists, activists, and opposition voices in Nigeria.
The Union described the arrest of Sowore as an “embarrassment to democracy and an assault on freedom of expression,” noting that Yoruba people across the world are ashamed of what they called “a dangerous precedent being set by one of their own.”
According to the statement, President Tinubu, who was once an advocate of democracy and civil rights during the military regime, has now become “a tormentor of those who dare to demand accountability and justice.”
The group said it is deeply concerned that a man who once fled persecution is now persecuting others for doing precisely what he once did.
“Arresting Omoyele Sowore will not deter Nigerians from demanding justice, equity, and good governance. The more Tinubu arrests activists and journalists, the more he exposes his administration’s oppressive tendencies to the global community,” the statement read.
The Yoruba Union also criticised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of turning the Nigeria Police Force into a tool of intimidation rather than an institution for public protection.
The statement expressed disappointment that Egbetokun, a Yoruba man, has “aligned himself with the oppressors instead of standing with the masses.”
“People like Kayode Egbetokun do not deserve to hold such an important national position,” the Union said.
“He has repeatedly threatened Omoyele Sowore and other critics who expose government wrongdoings. Instead of being removed, Tinubu continues to use him as a weapon against journalists, activists, and opposition figures.”
The group warned that history would not be kind to Tinubu and his allies if they continue on the path of oppression and political intimidation, drawing parallels with past military regimes.
“Tinubu and his likes should remember what became of General Ibrahim Babangida, who once ruled with an iron fist. Today, Babangida sits in a wheelchair as if he never ruled the country. No dictator escapes the judgment of history,” the statement added.
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá said the Yoruba are traditionally known as Omoluabi, that is, people of integrity, truth, and justice, and that Tinubu’s conduct in office contradicts these values.
The Union lamented that instead of addressing the worsening hunger, unemployment, and economic hardship facing Nigerians, the government has chosen to divert attention through repression and persecution.
“Calling public officials to account is not an act of disrespect,” the Union noted. “It is an expression of responsibility and love for our nation. Yoruba people will never stand behind falsehood and tyranny.”
The group, therefore, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore, describing the charges against him as politically motivated and baseless. It also called for an end to the harassment of journalists and activists across the country.
“The Tinubu administration must stop weaponising state institutions against its critics. Nigeria cannot afford another era of dictatorship disguised as democracy. We urge all Nigerians to resist intimidation and stand together for justice, truth, and freedom,” the Yoruba Union added.
