The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji, says the Ibadan traditional institution will do all within its powers to protect one of its own, Sunday Adeyemo aka Igboho who has been detained in the Republic after Nigerian authorities declared him wanted.
The Buhari regime swooped on Mr Igboho after he started campaigning for Yoruba Nation, threatening a break away from the Nigerian state.
The State Security Service accused him of planning insurrection and stockpiling arms to cause public disorder after the secret police invaded his residence on July 1, killing two persons, arresting 12 and damaging properties worth hundreds of millions.
The Ibadan monarch however said he has sent a delegation to Cotonou, the Republic of Benin, to observe court proceedings in the case involving the activist.
The royal father stated this in his palace while exchanging views with leaders of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), led by the president-general, Yemisi Adeaga.
“Sunday Igboho lives in Ibadan, got married in Ibadan, reared his children in Ibadan, built houses in Ibadan and, as such, he has the rights to be protected by Ibadan traditional institution within the ambit of the law, just like any other resident of the city,” he said.
The Oba, who did not disclose the identity of the members of the delegation, said that they would be in court in Cotonou on Monday to observe Mr Igboho’s trial.
He said that the step taken had become necessary to assure those who had been besieging his palace, including protesters, that he was not folding his arms over the travails of Mr Igboho and his aides.
The Oba, who said that he was in constant touch with other traditional rulers in Yoruba land, including the Igboho royal crowns, allayed fears of a repeat of the Yoruba-Fulani collision of 1814.
He, however, urged people to remain calm and be law-abiding, stressing that the truth would prevail.
