Release Igboho To Continue His Journey, Soyinka Tells Benin Republic

The playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka has called on the
government of the Republic of Benin to release Yoruba Nation
agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to
continue his journey.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday during an
interactive session titled, “Sanctions on the loose: Chasing the
gnat with a sledgehammer,” the elder statesman said the
secessionist didn’t commit any crime against Nigeria.

Men of the Department of State Services on July 1, 2021, raided
the Ibadan, Oyo State, home of the activist, killed two and
arrested 12 of his aides.

Igboho later fled to the Republic of Benin where he was arrested
alongside his wife on July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal
Police Organisation at the Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou on their
way to Germany.

His wife, Ropo, was released and Igboho is facing illegal
migration charges in the West African country and seeking asylum to
evade Federal Government request for his extradition to face
allegations of stockpiling arms which he had denied.

The Nobel laureate said Igboho’s offence was resisting tyranny
of Fulani herdsmen against his people in Oyo State.

Soyinka said, “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 playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka has called on the
government of the Republic of Benin to release Yoruba Nation
agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to
continue his journey.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday during an
interactive session titled, “Sanctions on the loose: Chasing the
gnat with a sledgehammer,” the elder statesman said the
secessionist didn’t commit any crime against Nigeria.

Men of the Department of State Services on July 1, 2021, raided
the Ibadan, Oyo State, home of the activist, killed two and
arrested 12 of his aides.

Igboho later fled to the Republic of Benin where he was arrested
alongside his wife on July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal
Police Organisation at the Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou on their
way to Germany.

His wife, Ropo, was released and Igboho is facing illegal
migration charges in the West African country and seeking asylum to
evade Federal Government request for his extradition to face
allegations of stockpiling arms which he had denied.

The Nobel laureate said Igboho’s offence was resisting tyranny
of Fulani herdsmen against his people in Oyo State.

Soyinka said, “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.”