Afenifere, Yoruba socio-political group, says there is nothing wrong with Sunday Adeyemo, a Yoruba nation agitator better known as Sunday Igboho, trying to protect his life.
Afenifere was speaking against the backdrop of Igboho’s arrest in Benin Republic while he was trying to flee to Germany.
Igboho is standing trial at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou after his arrest at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou.
He was declared wanted by the Department of State Services earlier in July after his Ibadan house was raided by the operatives of the DSS.
In a statement by Jare Ajayi, its national publicity secretary, Afenifere said there is nothing wrong with Igboho seeking asylum to preserve his life.
The group also accused the federal government of hunting “those seeking relief from the oppressive situation in Nigeria” while neglecting kidnappers and terrorists.
“We recall that Moses had to be taken away from the prying eyes of Pharaoh and his agents in Egypt. Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) too had to leave his hometown, Mecca for Medina in order to escape persecution,” the group said.
“Thus, there is nothing wrong in Igboho seeking a respite first to preserve his life and perhaps to re-strategise.
“What is now regarded as Sunday Igboho travail ought not to occur at all if there had been good governance in Nigeria and people are not harassed without any just cause.
“It is so sad that President Muhammadu Buhari administration is concentrating on hunting and harassing those who are seeking relief from the oppressive situation in Nigeria while shying away from tackling the menaces of kidnapping, terrorism and antics bordering on ethnic cleansing.
“By its conduct, the government is giving people reasons to believe the allegation that it is pursuing a Fulanisation agenda. Harassment of freedom agitators and innocent citizens must stop forthwith.”
Afenifere also praised Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; and Saliu Adetunji, Olubadan of Ibadan, for sending delegations to Benin Republic.
Ogunwusi had earlier set up a 28-member committee of south-west leaders to look into his arrest.
Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, had also said he had rallied 10 Benin Republic monarchs to facilitate the release of Igboho.
Afenifere urged other monarchs and prominent people in Yorubaland to emulate the Ooni and Olubadan.