In a recent visit to the palace of the monarch of Igboho town in Oyo State, Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, refuted claims that President Bola Tinubu is responsible for the challenges facing Nigeria. Igboho asserted that the blame should be placed on former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that Buhari handed over a “spoiled Nigeria” to Tinubu.
The controversy stems from Tinubu’s decision to remove the subsidy on petrol, announced during his inaugural address on May 29, 2023. This move led to an increase in the cost of petrol and subsequent economic inflation. Notably, the Buhari-led government had not allocated funds for petroleum subsidies in the 2023 budget.
Addressing his supporters at the monarch’s palace, Igboho criticized Buhari for allegedly sending security forces to arrest him. He claimed that the arrest was a response to his advocacy for the rights of the Yoruba people, stating, “Buhari sent his soldiers and DSS to arrest me in my house because I said Yoruba’s are not slaves to Fulani.”
Igboho emphasized the need for unity among the Yoruba people, recalling his calls during Buhari’s administration for the Yoruba to “free themselves from slavery” and “divide Nigeria.” He expressed dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s six months in office, questioning what the former president accomplished during his tenure.
The Yoruba nation agitator recently returned to Nigeria for the burial of his mother, who passed away on July 22, 2023. Igboho’s return was marked by a viral video on social media, capturing the moment he was welcomed by a large crowd in his hometown of Oyo State.
Igboho, who had previously escaped a deadly night raid on his Ibadan residence in July 2021, was subsequently arrested in Benin Republic on July 19, 2021, along with his wife, Ropo. However, he was released in October 2023. Igboho claimed to be back with the “power of God and authority” to continue advocating for the rights of the Yoruba people.