IBADAN, Nigeria — Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has issued a stern warning to prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi over his recent comments dismissing the Yoruba self-determination movement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, by his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho emphasised that the Yoruba Nation’s aspirations are distinct and must be respected.
The warning came in response to Gumi’s remarks, in which he dismissed the potential for any secessionist movement to succeed and asserted that Nigeria would remain indivisible.
Gumi, known for his involvement in negotiations with bandits, equated calls for Biafra and Oduduwa Republics with insurgency, describing their proponents as “miscreants.”
He argued that most Nigerians support national unity, as evidenced by voter participation in elections.
Igboho rejected Gumi’s assertions, stating that the push for Yoruba self-determination is fueled by worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and systemic governance failures.
He reiterated that the Yoruba people have a legitimate right to determine their future and called for an end to dismissive or inflammatory rhetoric against their movement.
The statement read, “Unwavering Commitment to the Yoruba Nation: Igboho emphasised that the movement for Yoruba self-determination is resolute and has garnered substantial support among the Yoruba populace. He asserted that the Yoruba Nation is poised to establish itself as an independent entity, reflecting the collective will of its people.”
Igboho highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Yoruba land, lamenting the incessant killings of innocent farmers and villagers.
He also referenced pervasive economic challenges, including widespread hardship and unemployment, as factors fueling the desire for self-governance.
“Escalating Insecurity and Economic Hardship: Highlighting the deteriorating security situation, Igboho lamented the incessant killings of innocent farmers and villagers in Yoruba land. He also referenced the pervasive economic challenges, including widespread hardship and unemployment, as factors fueling the desire for self-governance,” the statement added.
Igboho criticised the prevailing governance structure, citing bad governance and inadequate healthcare facilities as indicators of a failing system.
He argued that these systemic issues have left the Yoruba people with no choice but to seek an alternative path that ensures their safety, prosperity, and cultural preservation.
“Systemic Governance Failures: Igboho criticised the prevailing governance structure, citing bad governance and inadequate healthcare facilities as indicators of a failing system. He argued that these systemic issues have left the Yoruba people with no choice but to seek an alternative path that ensures their safety, prosperity, and cultural preservation,” the statement said.
According to Igboho, the Yoruba people are determined to establish a nation in which their heritage and traditions are respected and promoted.
He asserted that self-determination is essential for the safety and well-being of current and future generations.
The statement also addressed concerns about inter-ethnic marriages and relationships, assuring that individuals from other regions married to Yoruba persons would be accommodated within the framework of the new nation.
“Inclusivity and Immigration Policies: Addressing concerns about inter-ethnic marriages and relationships, Igboho assured that individuals from other regions married to Yoruba persons would be accommodated within the framework of the new nation. He proposed that such matters would be amicably managed through immigration policies, ensuring unity and harmony,” the statement noted.
Igboho decried the lack of freedom of speech and the constraints imposed by what he described as a fraudulent constitution.
He emphasised that the pursuit of self-determination is driven by a desire for justice, equity, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
The statement concluded, “Igboho decried the lack of freedom of speech and the constraints imposed by what he described as a fraudulent constitution. He emphasised that the pursuit of self-determination is driven by a desire for justice, equity, and the protection of fundamental human rights.”
The exchange between Igboho and Gumi highlights the ongoing debate over self-determination and national unity in Nigeria.
As the Yoruba Nation movement gains momentum, stakeholders are calling for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the issues fueling calls for secession.
