Yoruba monarch in Ilorin, Kwara State, Oba Titus Suberu Ajibola, has called for the immediate release of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho, saying he is a good man who's only representing a struggle backed by prominent Yoruba leaders in the Nigeria.
He said the agitation for self-determination did not just start overnight, and that Igboho is representing millions of Yoruba who want to be free from a failed union headed by a tyrant, and from a region who thinks everyone else are its subject.
Ajibola who made the plea in a video that has now gone viral, said Igboho consulted with him and other Yoruba monarchs before starting his agitations, stating further that the activist also had the support of some governors in the South-West region.
He pleaded with the Beninese government never to grant Nigeria's government extradition request, stating that the activist will be subjected to torture in Nigeria.
He said, “Let the Benin Republic King release him, do not extradite him to Nigeria or to Buhari, Igboho is a good man before he started these agitations, he had consulted the Yoruba monarchs and we were not against it, even the governors are not against it.
“His aim is to deliver the Yorubas from the killer herdsmen, thus we want you to release him but not to Buhari, because Buhari's government will only torture him and we don't want him to be tortured, he is our son. We beg of you in the name of God, help us release Igboho, he is a good person.
“We, the Yorubas are really suffering under this government. Please do not extradite Igboho to Nigeria, we don't want him to be tortured. His agitation is to deliver the Yorubas from slavery, we have been enslaved. We beg you in the name of God, release him, not to Buhari, let him be free.”
Similarly, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Adams, warned against maltreating Igboho, saying it could lead to war.
“I think the FG should be fair to the young man because any attempt to trivialize issues of agitations might set this nation on fire.
“For example, the issue of self determination didn’t come up overnight. It was as a result of the long years of injustice, nepotism, and corruption occasioned by bad leadership.
“So, the FG will be making a big mistake if it decides to treat agitators of Yoruba nation as common criminals or enemies."