The reason why Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, fled Nigeria to Benin Republic has been revealed.
A monarch close to Igboho disclosed that the Yoruba rights activist escaped from Nigeria to avoid being killed after the manner at which operatives of the Department of State Services invaded his Ibadan residence on July 1.
According to PUNCH, the monarch said Igboho was “forced” to leave the country, noting that the agitator was ready to continue the fight against killer herdsmen.
WITHIN NIGERIA recalls that Igboho and his wife, Ropo, were arrested at the Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou on Monday night while trying to catch a flight to Germany.
The monarch added that there was division among Igboho associates before he left the country, while some said he should stay back to fight, others, especially his kinsmen, aligned with the thought that he should leave the country.
The respected monarch said Igboho did not leave the country immediately the DSS raided his home as insinuated.
“He didn’t want to leave for Benin Republic. He preferred to face the battle in Nigeria but we felt the manner DSS raided his house and killed people was dangerous for him. We actually forced him to flee because of his safety. They went as if they were directed to either kill him or bring him alive,” he said.
When asked if asking Igboho to flee would not affect the self-determination agitation, he said, “Yes, we want Yoruba Nation, but not at the expense of anyone’s life. There would not have even been an agitation if the government lived up to their responsibilities.”
He stated the reason why Benin Republic chosen, “We have Yoruba-speaking people there. We have monarchs who still have ancestral traces to Nigeria. The Ooni and Alaafin still have a strong influence on some of their monarchs and we are of the belief that it was the best option. The monarchs gave him all the support he needed and we appreciate that.”
Describing how Igboho crossed Nigeria border to Benin Republic, he said, “Eledumare (God) did it.”
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