Professor Wole Soyinka has urged the government of the Republic of Benin to release Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to continue his journey.
The human rights activist made this revelation while speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday during an interactive session titled, “Sanctions on the loose: Chasing the gnat with a sledgehammer.”
Soyinka said the secessionist has not committed any crime against Nigeria Government, noting that his offence was resisting tyranny of Fulani herdsmen against his people in Oyo State.
“I refuse to believe that Igboho committed any offence except agitating against Fulani tyranny on his people. He peacefully demonstrated his position. I can’t consider that to be decided a criminal. Agitating for secession is not a criminal act as long as it’s done peacefully. You don’t have to criminalise that.”
The New Diplomat had reported Sunday Igboho was arrested in Cotonou-Benin Republic, Nigeria’s Western neighbours, just three days after the Nigerian government had raised high alert over plans by Igboho to flee the country.
He was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo at the Cotonou airport by Beninoise security forces while attempting to catch a flight to Germany.
Igboho’s arrest in Benin comes about three weeks after the Department of State Services (DSS) declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, following the July 1, 2021 raid of his residence located in Soka-Ibadan by the men of the Nigerian secret police.
The spokesperson of Igboho, Olayomi Koiki had debunked the claim by DSS that the Yoruba Nation Agitator was stockpiling arms, describing it as a ‘conspiracy’ to nail his principal.
Following his appearance in Beninoise court, he’s currently being detained by the government of Benin at a detention facility in Cotonou, Benin’s commercial capital.
