Yoruba nation will engage with the government through lawful and peaceful means and not through violence, Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho said on Tuesday.
He however said the Yoruba nation would not condone any actions that go against the laws of Nigeria, adding that he has learnt some lessons from his recent predicament.
Igboho was reacting to reports credited to him that he is back from prison and ready to face and chase out killer herdsmen from Yorubaland.
In the report which went viral, he was seen addressing some people who were cheering him following the burial of his mother in his hometown, Igboho area of Oyo State.
According to the activist who spoke in Yoruba, the Federal Government and the soldiers deployed to Yorubaland, especially Ekiti where monarchs were killed in broad daylight cannot combat the supposed killers.
He reportedly said, “I want you all to stand with me so that we can liberate ourselves from the herders encroaching on our lands. Let us mount security in all the Yoruba lands ourselves, if not, they will take our lands.”
But Igboho in a statement obtained by Arise News in Abuja thanked Nigerians worldwide for their unwavering support and prayers during his recent challenges.
He said he was profoundly grateful to God for the lessons learned through these experiences.
According to him, in addressing the issue of insecurity in Yoruba land, he would consider ways to complement government efforts by engaging with the government.
Igboho said, “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Nigerians worldwide for their unwavering support and prayers during my recent challenges. I am profoundly grateful to God for the lessons learned through these experiences.
“I want to make it unequivocally clear that I am committed to peace and non-violence in all my pursuits for the self-determination of Yoruba land. I have never and will never endorse violence. Our demand for Yoruba nation in itself is not an unlawful demand but same must be done within the rules of law.
“I urge the public to refrain from violence. No government institution or individual, whether in government or not, should be subjected to attacks.
“In our quest for self-determination for the Yoruba nation, we will engage with the government through lawful and peaceful means. We will not condone any actions that go against the law.
“I advise journalists to only publish stories directly from me and not statements from anyone else. Henceforth, only my Legal Team, particularly Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq., is allowed to make statements on my behalf as our statements must receive legal clearance.
“Addressing the issue of insecurity in Yoruba land, we will consider ways to complement government efforts by engaging with the government on how we can contribute to safeguarding our people. Our people must be safe in their homes. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
Friday Olokor, Abuja
Follow us on:
