Lekan Yusuf, Ibadan
Prof. Banji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Self-determination Movement, has called for an end to the war waged by Fulani leaders against Sunday Igboho, a prominent leader of the Yoruba Self-Determination Struggle.
This call comes after Prof. Garus Gololo, a Fulani leader, launched a scathing attack on Sunday Igboho, labeling him a criminal who should be arrested and detained by the federal government.
However, Prof. Akintoye argues that seeking self-determination for one’s nation is not a crime, but rather a right enshrined in international law and the laws of Nigeria.
“The United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People and the African Charter of Human and People’s Rights both affirm the right to self-determination.
“Sunday Igboho’s actions, particularly his intervention in Igangan in 2021, have been misconstrued by Fulani leaders. Igboho’s efforts to expel Fulani marauders from the area were peaceful and lawful, and he even gave the Seriki and his men an ultimatum to leave the area within seven days.
“Despite this, Fulani leaders have continued to demonize Sunday Igboho, and the Nigerian government has been complicit in this campaign. In July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) launched a deadly attack on Igboho’s home, killing two people and destroying property.”
He noted that the government’s actions were deemed illegal by the court, which awarded 20 billion Naira in damages to Sunday Igboho. However, the government has continued to pursue Igboho, and he was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in July 2021.
“Igboho’s detention in Cotonou was deemed unjust by the ECOWAS Court, which ordered the Benin Republic to pay him 20 million CFA (about 55 million Naira) in compensation. Despite this, the Fulani-led federal government continues to view Igboho as a threat.
“The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle is a peaceful and law-abiding movement that seeks to promote the rights and interests of the Yoruba people. The movement’s leaders have called on Fulani leaders to cease their campaigns of falsehood against Sunday Igboho and to respect the rights of the Yoruba people.
“The struggle for self-determination is not unique to the Yoruba people, and it is a right that is recognized by international law. The Nigerian government and Fulani leaders must respect this right and engage in peaceful and lawful dialogue with the Yoruba people.
“The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle is committed to peaceful and lawful means of achieving its goals. The movement’s leaders have called on the Nigerian government and Fulani leaders to reciprocate this commitment and to work towards a peaceful and lawful resolution of the issues at stake.
“Ultimately, the fate of Nigeria and its people depends on the ability of its leaders to engage in peaceful and lawful dialogue and to respect the rights and interests of all its citizens. The Yoruba Self-determination Struggle is committed to playing its part in this process, and it calls on Fulani leaders and the Nigerian government to do the same.
“The war waged by Fulani leaders against Sunday Igboho must end now. It is time for peaceful and lawful dialogue to prevail, and for the rights and interests of the Yoruba people to be respected.” He said.