Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has issued a stern call to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Igboho has asked Tinubu to caution Vice President Kashim Shettima over what he termed “unwarranted verbal attacks” on Kemi Badenoch, the Nigerian-British politician and leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.
In a statement released on Sunday, Igboho accused Shettima of misplacing his priorities by targeting Badenoch instead of addressing Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic problems.
Badenoch, a woman of Yoruba descent, recently stirred controversy with her remarks about corruption in Nigeria.
She also distanced herself from any affiliation with Northern Nigeria, further fueling the backlash from certain quarters.
Igboho, however, defended Badenoch’s statements, saying she only expressed an honest opinion about a well-known issue that has plagued Nigeria for decades.
“President Tinubu must direct Vice President Shettima to focus on his vice-presidential duties instead of engaging in unnecessary verbal confrontations with Badenoch,” Igboho said.
He described Badenoch’s comments as a candid assessment of Nigeria’s challenges, especially the systemic corruption holding the nation back.
Igboho also highlighted a perceived double standard in Nigerian politics, citing his own experiences during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“Under President Buhari, no one dared attack the Fulani ethnic group without severe consequences,” Igboho noted.
He recounted the attack on his home by security forces on July 1, 2021, which left two people dead and several others arrested.
The attack, he said, was a response to his protests against violence, destruction, and killings linked to Fulani herders.
“Now, Badenoch has spoken out against corruption, and Shettima has made her his target,” Igboho added.
He described Shettima’s remarks as an attempt to divert attention from Nigeria’s pressing challenges.
“Most Nigerians are enduring severe poverty and insecurity,” he said.
“The Federal Government remains clueless about solving these issues, yet the Vice President is busy targeting Badenoch.”
In his statement, Igboho said Shettima’s actions only highlight the government’s misplaced priorities.
“When did it become a crime for someone to speak openly about the corruption that has hindered Nigeria’s progress?” he asked.
“Badenoch has done nothing wrong by identifying as Yoruba and pointing out the truth about Nigeria’s problems.”
Igboho also slammed the government for failing to address the critical issues facing the country.
He pointed to economic hardship, kidnappings, and general insecurity as areas where urgent action is needed.
Instead of addressing these issues, he said, Shettima has chosen to attack a woman who has no official role in Nigerian politics.
“This is a distraction,” Igboho remarked.
“The Vice President should focus on his duties instead of pursuing trivial matters.”
He urged President Tinubu to step in immediately to put an end to the situation.
Igboho said it is Tinubu’s responsibility, as someone who shares Yoruba heritage with Badenoch, to ensure that such attacks do not continue.
“The President must act now,” he declared.
“The Vice President should channel his energy into solving Nigeria’s real problems, not attacking people who speak the truth.”
Igboho’s statement adds to a growing wave of criticism against the government’s handling of national issues.
The controversy surrounding Kemi Badenoch has exposed deeper divisions within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Her remarks on corruption, though factual, have triggered debates on ethnic sensitivities and freedom of speech.
While some see Badenoch’s comments as a wake-up call for reform, others, like Shettima, view them as an affront to the country’s image.
