Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, has joined the growing number of individuals and groups that have condemned Sunday’s heinous attack on St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.
In an audio sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Tuesday morning, Igboho stated that he had warned his tribesmen against terrorists activities as the massacre of over 50 worshippers.
Speaking in Yoruba language, Igboho also asked for mercy from politicians he might have offended in the course of his separatist agitation.
“I pray to God that we don’t experience such again. I pray to God to comfort the families of the victims.
“My fathers and mothers, can you see that I have been vindicated? I was not in a battle with any governor or senator. But what I envisaged, you didn’t see it. Now, can you all see?
“Well, the situation can still be redeemed. I want Yoruba people to be united before it is too late. I want South-West leaders to support me and other courageous Yoruba sons and daughters so that we can guard against this wicked acts. If I offend anyone, I ask for pardon, please,” he said.
Igboho, who fled Nigeria to avoid arrest was given a conditional release from prison in neighbouring Benin eight months after he was detained there.
Igboho had been detained in Benin’s commercial capital Cotonou on accusations of “criminal association”.
This newspaper understands that he can’t leave Benin until the completion of his case.
Igboho, who escaped from a deadly raid on his Ibadan, Oyo State residence by the operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) on July 1, 2021, was arrested in Benin Republic on his way to Germany on July 19 together with his wife, Ropo. His wife was released earlier.
Police at the time accused Igboho and his associates of planning to wage a violent insurrection against the Nigerian state.
