Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has dismissed remarks by human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, describing them as misleading and unfounded.
According to reports, Sowore’s comments followed a viral video in which he criticised what he termed “transactional politics” among some regional agitators and influencers, accusing them of aligning with political actors for personal or material gain.
In the video, Sowore appeared to reference Igboho, linking his recent political stance, including support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s potential 2027 re-election bid, to what he described as “amala politics,” a slang expression suggesting opportunistic or self-serving activism.
Reacting in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho rejected the claim, describing it as an inconsequential rant that should be disregarded.
He maintained that his agitation for improved security in the South-West, as well as his political choices, are constitutional rights aimed at protecting the interests of the Yoruba people and promoting national development.
Igboho also questioned Sowore’s track record, asking how many protests he organised to secure his freedom, while alleging that Sowore’s lifestyle contradicts his claims of fighting for the masses.
He further stated that he cannot be compelled to support political figures such as Peter Obi or Atiku Abubakar, insisting on his right to make independent political decisions.
The statement emphasised that Igboho’s movement is focused on tackling insecurity across Yorubaland, including killings of farmers, kidnappings and attacks on traditional institutions, rather than pursuing political office or revolutionary leadership.
It also noted that while Sowore advocates for a nationwide revolution, Igboho’s approach centres on grassroots security and protecting lives and property within the region.
Koiki added that recent security challenges, including reported incidents in Maiduguri, highlight the need for practical, localised solutions rather than broad ideological campaigns.
The statement concluded that labelling Igboho’s agitation as “amala politics” undermines the seriousness of the security crisis and dismisses the legitimacy of grassroots efforts aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities.
