Obasanjo rules out Yoruba Nation as Soyinka calls for Sunday Igboho’s release

Earlier today, Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo said the country that sprawl over 923,768 km² with over 200 million people will continue to exist no matter what happens.

He spoke during the Book Launch and 85th Birthday of Eminence Prelate Sunday Mbang of the Methodist Church Nigeria which was held at the Admiralty Centre, Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

Obasanjo, who was the Convener of the programme in honour of Mbang, described the former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria as a lover of Nigeria.

The book, a memoir, chronicling the journey of the octogenarian, was titled, ‘My Life and Times’.

Obasanjo, 84, said the “many enemies” who don’t want to see the country’s continued co-existence would fail.

He said the cost of staying together as a nation is cheaper than the cost of dividing Nigeria.

The former head of state made the statement at a time when secessionist agitations, fueled by perceived injustice and worsening security situation,  have increased across the country especially in Southern Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Nigerian Playwright, Professor Wole Soyinka has called on the government of the Republic of Benin to release Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, to continue his journey.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Friday during an interactive session titled, “Sanctions on the loose: Chasing the gnat with a sledgehammer,” the elder statesman said the secessionist didn’t commit any crime against Nigeria. Men of the Department of State Services on July 1, 2021, raided the Ibadan, Oyo State, home of the activist, killed two and arrested 12 of his aides.

Igboho later fled to the Republic of Benin where he was arrested alongside his wife on July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal Police Organisation at the Cadjehoun Airport in Cotonou on their way to Germany.

His wife, Ropo, was released and Igboho is facing illegal migration charges in the West African country and seeking asylum to evade Federal Government request for his extradition to face allegations of stockpiling arms which he had denied.

The Nobel laureate said Igboho’s offence was resisting tyranny of Fulani herdsmen against his people in Oyo State.

Soyinka said, “I refuse to believe that Igboho committed any offence except agitating against Fulani tyranny on his people. He peacefully demonstrated his position. I can’t consider that to be decided a criminal. Agitating for secession is not a criminal act as long as it’s done peacefully. You don’t have to criminalise that.”