The family of Lawson Taiwo Koumbio, a prominent advocate and supporter of the Yoruba Nation movement, is concerned for his safety as he has gone into hiding following increased government crackdowns on supporters of the self-determination cause.
Koumbio, an outspoken advocate for the creation of an independent Yoruba state, has reportedly faced multiple assassination attempts since the government escalated its actions against the movement in Nigeria’s Southwest.
Koumbio’s family is deeply worried about his life, stating that he was forced to flee to an undisclosed location to evade capture by security forces, who have been targeting both members and supporters of the movement. According to his relatives, the government’s crackdown has left him with no choice but to go underground.
“We are extremely worried about his safety,” said Olawale Gbadamosi, a family member. “He has received numerous death threats, and it’s clear that they want him dead for supporting the Yoruba nation cause. He had to leave in secret to protect his life.”
Koumbio’s situation is part of a broader government campaign to suppress the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM), a group advocating for the establishment of an independent Yoruba state. The agitation stems from growing frustration over what supporters call systemic marginalization, nepotism, and the perceived dominance of Fulani interests in Nigeria’s economic and security sectors.
Despite the peaceful nature of many of the protests organized by the movement, government forces have repeatedly labelled its members as violent and acted accordingly. A high-profile incident occurred on July 1, 2021, when security operatives, including the Department of State Services (DSS), raided the home of Chief Sunday Adeyemi, better known as Sunday Igboho, in Ibadan. The raid resulted in the deaths of two of Igboho’s aides, the arrest of 13 others, and forced many supporters into hiding.
Koumbio, a key financial supporter of the movement, has been under relentless pressure since that time, narrowly escaping death on several occasions. His family’s plea for help comes amid fears that his life remains in grave danger.
Williams Adeyemi, a close friend, confirmed the seriousness of the threats. “Lawson confided in me that unknown people were after him. His life is at risk simply because he stands for the Yoruba nation,” Adeyemi said. “He had no choice but to disappear, but we are praying that he stays safe wherever he is.”
Despite the government’s tough tactics, supporters of the Yoruba nation movement have vowed to continue their campaign for self-determination, insisting on their right to peacefully advocate for an independent state.
As the search for Koumbio and other key figures intensifies, the question of his safety, and that of many other Yoruba advocates, hangs in the balance. The family’s plea is a stark reminder of the personal toll the ongoing crackdown is taking on those involved in the struggle for Yoruba self-determination.