Prominent Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Igboho, has issued a new ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen implicated in kidnapping and robbery within the South West zone.
This directive was conveyed via an audio message by his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, although its authenticity remains unverified.
This call to action comes in the wake of renewed violence in the Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, where residents have experienced a surge in kidnappings and killings attributed to the herders. Local farmers are increasingly unable to access their fields, exacerbating regional tensions.
A local resident reported to Vanguard that these criminal activities have significantly disrupted agricultural activities and heightened insecurity in the area.
Igboho, who previously issued a warning to the herders to vacate the region, has advocated for the formation of local security groups to safeguard farmers from ongoing threats and violence.
In the audio message, Koiki stated in Yoruba: “Today is the 15th of July, 2024. This breaking news is issued around 6pm. All Fulani people living in Oke Ogun, living inside the bushes there, who are kidnappers, that are killing the people, are immediately ordered to leave now. Sunday Igboho said he would continue his work at Oke-Ogun, in Kishi, and all communities that make up Oke-Ogun. He said he would address all remaining areas.
“All Fulanis should leave the bush in Oke-Ogun. The forest does not belong to you. The land belongs to us.” He also called on Obas in other parts of Yoruba land to speak out if they are experiencing similar attacks from Fulani herders.
According to the audio, Igboho clarified that he is not in conflict with any governor but is determined to expel the herders causing trouble in the region. He added that his team would thoroughly search all forests occupied by herders in Yoruba lands, pending approval from traditional rulers in Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, and Osun states.
Igboho’s team is reportedly preparing to intensify efforts to clear Oke Ogun land in Oyo State and has warned all Fulani inhabitants to leave immediately.
