Soyinka to FG: Apologise to Igboho over invasion of his residence

By Oluseye Ojo

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has called on the Federal Government to apologise to Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over the invasion of his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Nigerian Army on Thursday, July 1, 2021.

Soyinka described the invasion, which led to the killing of two of Igboho’s aides and the arrest of 13 supporters, as “unlawful and criminal”.

He made the call in a video posted by Igboho’s media aide, Olayomi Koiki, saying the government should stop pursuing Igboho as a criminal and instead offer him an apology.

“My advice is not so much to Igboho but to the government that they should stop pursuing this person as a criminal because you (government) have begun by acting in a criminal fashion against him.

“If and when Igboho comes to trial, I guarantee you that the government will be very embarrassed. It’s not in the interest of the government.”

Soyinka urged the government to “tell Igboho we made a mistake, we should not have acted this way, you are no longer wanted, go back to your home and in fact escort him to his home quietly and let him resume his normal life.”

The Nobel Laureate also questioned the government’s declaration of Igboho as wanted, saying he has probably gone underground to protect himself and continue his struggle.

“I’m not talking about the secessionist aspect. I’m talking about what Igboho came out to do and I believe it is still his mission in this nation to protect, defend his own people and to let the aggressors know that they are not lords of this nation and not any section of it apart from what they are constitutionally entitled to,” he said.

Soyinka warned that if Igboho is brought to trial, the government would be embarrassed, saying it is up to Igboho to decide what to do next.

“He knows what the circumstances were. He knows what happened before his people were killed and he’s the only one who can decide for himself. I cannot advise him,” he said.

The invasion of Igboho’s residence was carried out during the regime of former President Muhammadu Buhari, over allegations that he was stockpiling arms and ammunition.