JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Yoruba state agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, has rejected criticism from human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by dismissing statements describing his political stance and activism as “transactional.”
The rebuttal followed a viral video showing Sowore criticizing what he called “transactional politics” among certain figures and influencers, alleging that some figures had compromised their principles by aligning political interests for personal or material gain. In the video, Sowore appears to take offense at Igboho, linking his recent political expressions—including support for the possible re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu—to what he calls “amala politics,” a phrase commonly used to denote opportunistic involvement.
Responding to a statement issued in Ibadan by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho dismissed the claims as baseless and not worthy of public attention, describing them as frivolous outbursts.
Igboho maintained that his advocacy—particularly around security issues in the Southwest—and his political choices remained within his constitutional rights and were driven by the collective interests of the Yoruba people.
He said, “We categorically reject the characterization of Igboho’s activism as transactional. Such a vague position misrepresents the intent and focus of our agitation towards effective grassroots security in the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.
“How many protests did Sowore organize to push for my freedom? Sowore’s claim of fighting for the masses contradicts his alleged daily lodging fee of N450,000 at a popular hotel in Lagos.
“I cannot be forced to support political figures like Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, or even align with Sowore’s political platform. I have the right to make independent political decisions based on the security and collective interests of the Yoruba people.”
READ ALSO: Wike-backed PDP elects new executive committee in Lagos
The statement further emphasized that the Igboho movement is primarily focused on addressing insecurity across Yorubaland, including attacks on farmers, kidnappings on highways, and threats to traditional rulers and institutions.
Koiki clarified that the agitation was not driven by any political ambition, but rather by a commitment to protect lives and communities.
The statement added, “While Sowore has consistently promoted national revolution as a path to leadership, Igboho’s approach is rooted in the protection of life, land and property in the Yoruba region. This agitation is a response to the real and ongoing threats faced by the people of the region.
“Recent security incidents in northern Nigeria, including reports of explosions in Maiduguri on 16 March 2026, also raise questions about the effectiveness of broader long-term revolutionary advocacy.
“We challenge Sowore to assess the situation in his home state, Ondo State, taking into account the increasing cases of banditry, kidnapping and attacks on rural communities.”
The report also highlights the devastating impact of insecurity on vulnerable groups such as farmers, women, children and traditional rulers across affected communities.
“This reality reinforces Igboho’s longstanding call since 2020 to implement stronger local security measures and regional protection strategies.
“Labeling our agitation and efforts as ‘amala politics’ undermines the urgency of the security crisis and the legitimacy of the grassroots agitation,” the statement concluded.
