A trending video showing Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo—popularly known as Sunday Igboho—wearing a cap associated with Nigeria’s ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), during a ceremony in Ibadan has sparked intense debate across social media. 🎥
For many observers, the imagery alone was enough to trigger accusations of betrayal. Some Yoruba nationalist groups claim that the activist—once a prominent voice in the agitation for an independent Oduduwa Nation—has compromised the struggle. Others interpret the moment differently, suggesting that Igboho may simply be advocating peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s ethnic groups, particularly between Yoruba communities and the Fulani herders whose clashes with farmers helped ignite tensions in recent years.
The debate has since taken on a wider and more troubling dimension. In typical fashion, online conversations quickly devolved into ethnic stereotypes and sweeping judgments about entire communities.
But the truth is far more complex.
The Controversial Journey of Sunday Igboho
Sunday Adeyemo rose to national prominence in 2021 after issuing ultimatums to suspected criminal elements in parts of southwestern Nigeria, especially in areas affected by violent clashes between farmers and armed herders. His actions, though controversial, resonated with many residents who felt abandoned by weak security structures.
Later that year, Igboho became a central figure in calls for the creation of an independent Oduduwa Republic, a proposed state for the Yoruba people of southwestern Nigeria.
However, his activism also attracted government attention. In July 2021, he was arrested in the neighbouring Benin while attempting to travel to Germany. His detention followed a raid by Nigeria’s security agencies on his residence in Ibadan.
After months of legal proceedings in Benin’s courts, he was eventually released. Since then, his public appearances and political signals have been closely scrutinised by supporters and critics alike.
The recent video of him wearing an APC cap therefore triggered speculation that he may be aligning himself politically with the government many believed he once opposed.
The Danger of Judging an Entire Ethnic Group
While criticism of public figures is normal in democratic societies, using the actions of one individual to stereotype an entire ethnic group is intellectually dishonest.
Some commentators have gone as far as claiming that Igboho’s alleged shift reflects the “nature” of the Yoruba people. Such arguments are not only simplistic but dangerous. Nigeria’s ethnic groups—Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Fulani, Tiv, Ijaw, and hundreds of others—are far too diverse to be reduced to the behaviour of a single activist.
Nigeria’s political history shows that every region has experienced similar patterns: elite capture of public resources, weak governance, corruption, and internal power struggles.
In fact, state budgets across the country often reveal the same troubling priorities. Large sums are allocated for government vehicles and administrative perks, while funding for essential sectors like healthcare and education remains inadequate. 🚗
This problem is not exclusive to one region—it is systemic.
Nigeria’s Shared Struggles
Across Nigeria, the same dynamics repeat themselves:
Elites accumulating wealth while ordinary citizens struggle.
Corruption within both political and traditional institutions.
Suppression of dissenting voices.
Electoral irregularities and political patronage.
No part of the country is immune.
In reality, Nigerians often oppress one another regardless of tribe or religion.
Hausas oppress Hausas.
Fulanis oppress Fulanis.
Benue citizens oppress fellow Benue citizens.
Christians marginalise other Christians.
Muslims discriminate against fellow Muslims.
This uncomfortable truth reveals a deeper problem: Nigeria’s challenges are largely institutional, not purely ethnic.
Ironically, Nigerians sing their national anthem—“Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed”—yet rarely confront the structures that perpetuate injustice.
Political Choices and Personal Freedom
As a citizen of Nigeria, Sunday Adeyemo has the constitutional right to join any political party or withdraw from any political movement.
Political activism is not a lifelong contract. History offers numerous examples of leaders who moderated their positions over time.
For instance, before the rise of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Nnamdi Kanu, the agitation for Biafra was largely driven by Ralph Uwazuruike through the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). Today, Uwazuruike’s movement operates with significantly less visibility than it once did.
Activism evolves. People evolve.
Therefore, whether Sunday Igboho continues or abandons the agitation for Oduduwa Nation remains a personal decision.
The Question of Peaceful Coexistence
Supporters who argue that Igboho merely sought peaceful coexistence should also reflect honestly on the current security situation in southwestern Nigeria.
Despite earlier campaigns against criminal activities, reports of violent attacks and kidnappings still emerge from parts of the region. While attributing these incidents solely to one factor would be inaccurate, they highlight a broader reality: the underlying security challenges that fueled agitation have not completely disappeared.
If the objective was lasting peace, many residents still feel that the goal remains unfulfilled.
Nigeria’s History of Cross-Ethnic Solidarity
Despite today’s polarised discourse, Nigerian history also offers powerful examples of unity across ethnic lines.
During the Nigerian Civil War, Alex Ekwueme—who later became Vice President—had a property in Lagos that he abandoned while the conflict raged. During his absence, a Yoruba tenant reportedly safeguarded the rental income and returned the funds when Ekwueme eventually came back.
Years later, when Ekwueme held national office, he helped facilitate a banking licence that led to the establishment of First City Monument Bank (FCMB). 🏦
Another powerful example occurred during the military coup crisis of 1966. Military governor Adekunle Fajuyi refused to abandon Nigeria’s Head of State, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, when soldiers arrived to arrest him. Fajuyi insisted that if Ironsi was to be killed, he would share the same fate—and both men ultimately died together.
These stories remind Nigerians that solidarity has always existed alongside division.
The Herd Mentality Problem
One lesson from the current debate is the danger of herd thinking. Social media reactions often prioritise emotional loyalty—tribe, religion, or political affiliation—over thoughtful analysis. 🧠
But political movements built around individuals are inherently fragile.
Many Yoruba leaders have long argued that the agitation for an Oduduwa Republic should revolve around ideology and principles, not personalities.
Individuals can change positions. Ideologies endure.
Strengthening Nigeria Instead of Breaking It
The real challenge facing Nigeria is not necessarily the breakup of the country but the weakness of its institutions.
Decentralisation and stronger governance structures could address many of the grievances fueling separatist movements.
Nigeria needs:
Stronger state and local governments
Independent courts and judiciary
Professional security institutions
Transparent governance and accountability
When citizens experience justice, fairness, and economic opportunity, separatist agitations tend to diminish naturally.
A Nation Worth Fixing
The debate over Sunday Igboho’s political symbolism ultimately reveals a deeper national struggle: Nigeria’s battle to build institutions that work for everyone.
The goal should not be endless tribal confrontation but the creation of a country where governance delivers security, development, and justice.
Nigeria may indeed require decentralisation and structural reforms. Yet it is still possible to pursue these reforms while maintaining national unity.
If Nigerians truly want to honour the words of their national anthem, the task is clear:
Build a nation where no citizen—regardless of tribe, religion, or region—is oppressed. 🇳🇬
Only then will the arguments over caps, parties, and personalities lose their power to divide the country.
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