Sunday Igboho slams Sowore, insists on right to back Tinubu

2026-03-17 - 15:22

By Adeola Badru Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Tuesday dismissed remarks by human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, regarding transactional politics and activism. Igboho maintained that his agitation for improved security in the South-West, as well as his support for President Bola Tinubu’s prospective second-term bid in 2027, constitute his inalienable constitutional rights. He stressed that his actions are firmly rooted in advancing the collective interests of the Yoruba people and fostering Nigeria’s overall development. In a statement issued by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho criticised Sowore for allegedly describing his activism as “amala politics” in a recent viral video circulating on social media, dismissing the comment as inconsequential and unworthy of public attention. The statement read: “We strongly reject the characterisation of Igboho’s activism as transactional. Such a myopic position misrepresents the intent and focus of our agitation on effective grassroots security in the South-West, and Nigeria as a whole.“ “How many protests did Sowore organise to push for my freedom? Sowore’s claim of fighting for the masses contradicts his daily lodging expenses of N450,000 at a popular Lagos hotel.“ “I cannot be compelled to endorse political figures such as Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, or even align with Sowore’s political platform. I have the right to make independent political decisions based on the security and collective interests of the Yoruba people.” The statement further emphasised that Igboho’s advocacy prioritises tackling insecurity across Yorubaland, which it said is characterised by persistent violence, including the killing of farmers, kidnappings along highways, and attacks on traditional rulers and royal institutions. Koiki clarified that these concerns underpin Igboho’s movement, rather than any ambition for political office or revolutionary leadership. The statement continued: “While Sowore has consistently promoted nationwide revolution as a pathway to leadership, Igboho’s approach is rooted in protecting lives, land, and property within Yoruba territory.“ “This agitation is a vivid response to real and ongoing threats faced by communities in the region. Latest security incidents in Northern Nigeria, including reported explosions in Maiduguri as at yesterday, 16 March 2026, call into question the broader effectiveness of long-term revolutionary advocacy.“ “We challenge Sowore to assess the situation in his home state of Ondo, considering growing cases of banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities.“ “The impacts on vulnerable groups, including farmers, traditional rulers, women, and children, are massive, just as several communities have reportedly suffered destruction.“ “These realities reinforce Igboho’s long-standing call, dating back to 2020, for localised security measures and stronger regional protection strategies.“ “Labelling our agitation and noble efforts as ‘amala politics’ undermines the urgency of the security crisis and the legitimacy of grassroots agitation,“ he said.