Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho and the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, has strongly criticized the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1, 2024. He claims these demonstrations are politically motivated and aimed at destabilizing Nigeria.
In a statement issued yesterday, Igboho defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent policy reforms, attributing the planned protests to resistance against these bold measures. He commended Tinubu for his ambitious initiatives, including raising the minimum wage and working to reduce food prices.
Igboho stated, “President Tinubu’s decisive actions have unsettled those who believe it is their inherent right to rule Nigeria. We are now seeing threats of ’10 days of rage’ starting August 1, 2024, under the banner ‘Tinubu Must Go!’ While the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, it does not support calls for unconstitutional regime changes.”
He noted that during President Muhammadu Buhari’s eight-year term, there were no similar protests from the Southwest, despite facing challenges from Fulani terrorists. The focus of their protests was on community protection rather than national destabilization.
Igboho affirmed that the Yoruba Nation Movement will not support any protests intended to use the Southwest as a battleground for political upheaval. He emphasized that the Yoruba people would not be a platform for Nigeria’s disintegration.
He acknowledged that economic difficulties are a global issue, not exclusive to Nigeria. Since his release from detention by former President Buhari and former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, Igboho has traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, West Africa, and North America, observing similar economic challenges and government responses.
In Nigeria, President Tinubu’s administration has introduced measures to alleviate hardships, including raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 and working to lower food prices, demonstrating a commitment to improving living conditions.
Igboho labeled the protests as politically motivated and urged Yoruba people and all concerned Nigerians to reject them. He stated, “The Yoruba Nation opposes these protests unequivocally. Like President Buhari, President Tinubu should be allowed to complete his term. Change should come through democratic means—either through the ballot box or a referendum. Those seeking change must wait for the 2027 elections.”
He called on the Yoruba community to avoid participating in these protests, as they do not benefit the Yoruba people or the nation. Igboho also issued a stern warning against any attempts to incite violence under the guise of these demonstrations. He advised that individuals and groups involved in such activities should stay away from Yorubaland on the protest days and beyond, emphasizing that forewarning is a form of preparation.
