By: Sunday Ameh
The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has strongly condemned the arrest of human rights activist and journalist, Omoyele Sowore, by security operatives allegedly acting on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the Union’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group accused the Tinubu-led administration of waging a “relentless war” against journalists, activists, and opposition voices across Nigeria.
Describing the arrest of Sowore as “an embarrassment to democracy and an assault on freedom of expression,” the group said Yoruba people all over the world are ashamed that a Yoruba man is now “the face of oppression and intimidation.”
The Union noted that President Tinubu, who once fought against military dictatorship, has now turned against the same ideals he once championed.
“It is painful that a man who once fled persecution is now persecuting others for doing exactly what he once did,” the statement read.
The group further warned that arresting Sowore and other critics will not stop Nigerians from demanding justice, accountability, and good governance, adding that such actions only expose the government’s “oppressive tendencies” to the world.
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá also criticised the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of turning the Nigeria Police Force into a tool for political intimidation rather than a protector of citizens.
“Egbetokun, a Yoruba man, has sadly aligned himself with the oppressors instead of standing with the people,” the Union said.
“He has repeatedly targeted Sowore and other voices of truth. Rather than uphold justice, he has chosen to defend tyranny.”
The group warned that history would not be kind to Tinubu and his allies if they continue to suppress dissent and intimidate citizens, likening the situation to past military regimes.
“Tinubu should remember that no dictator escapes the judgment of history,” the statement continued. “Yoruba people are known for truth, justice, and integrity — not oppression.”
The Union therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore and called for an end to the harassment of journalists, activists, and opposition figures nationwide.
“Calling public officials to account is not an act of disrespect,” the group added. “It is an expression of love and responsibility for our country. Nigeria must not return to an era of dictatorship disguised as democracy.”
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