Sowore Backs Igboho’s Efforts to Protect Oyo Children, Recalls Past Disagreement Over Tinubu Campaign Comment
Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stated that he has no objection to Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, if he chooses to intervene in efforts aimed at protecting children and vulnerable residents in Oyo State.
Sowore made the remark while reflecting on his relationship with the self-determination campaigner, emphasizing that his only significant disagreement with Igboho stemmed from a political statement made about the general elections.
According to Sowore, he does not oppose any genuine effort by Igboho to defend or rescue children facing security threats or other dangers in Oyo State. He noted that individuals and groups who are committed to the protection of innocent citizens should be encouraged, provided their actions are guided by lawful and legitimate intentions.
“I do not have any issue with Sunday Igboho if he wants to rescue Oyo children. Let him go ahead,” Sowore stated.
The former presidential candidate, however, recalled a previous controversy involving comments attributed to Igboho regarding political campaigns in the South-West. At the time, Igboho was reported to have suggested that anyone opposed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not be allowed to campaign in the Yoruba language.
The statement generated reactions from political observers and advocates of free speech, many of whom argued that democratic societies should accommodate differing political opinions regardless of ethnicity, language, or regional affiliations.
Sowore said that the comment was the only issue he had with Igboho, as he believed it could be interpreted as discouraging political plurality and freedom of expression among Yoruba people.
“The only thing I had against him was when he said that anyone against Tinubu should not campaign in Yoruba,” Sowore explained.
He further revealed that Igboho later reached out to him personally to clarify the statement. According to Sowore, the Yoruba nation activist explained that his remarks had either been misunderstood or did not accurately reflect his intended message.
“Although he called me to clarify his words, saying that he did not mean it that way,” Sowore added.
The disclosure highlights a rare instance of dialogue between two influential figures who have, at different times, commanded significant followings within Nigeria’s activist and political spaces. While Sowore is known for his pro-democracy activism and criticism of successive governments, Igboho rose to national prominence through his advocacy for Yoruba self-determination and his campaigns against insecurity in parts of the South-West.
Security remains a major concern across several parts of Nigeria, including Oyo State, where incidents of kidnapping, violent crime, and attacks on rural communities have continued to attract public attention. Calls for stronger protection of residents, particularly women and children, have become increasingly common among community leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens.
Sowore’s remarks suggest that despite political differences, collaboration or support for initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives should not be dismissed simply because of past disagreements. His position underscores the belief that public figures can disagree on political matters while still supporting actions that serve the broader interests of society.
The comments also reflect the complex nature of Nigeria’s political and activist landscape, where alliances and disagreements often intersect around issues of governance, security, democracy, and regional interests.
As conversations around security and community protection continue, Sowore’s statement signals a willingness to separate political disputes from efforts that could contribute to the safety and well-being of ordinary citizens, particularly children who remain among the most vulnerable members of society.
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