Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Vice President Kashim Shettima against making further critical remarks about Kemi Badenoch, leader of the British Conservative Party.
Igboho’s statement, issued in Osogbo on Sunday, was a reaction to Shettima's comments regarding Badenoch, who had previously spoken out against corruption in Nigeria. Badenoch, a prominent politician of Yoruba descent, had also distanced herself from being associated with Northern Nigeria in her statements.
In a personally signed press release, Igboho defended Badenoch, asserting that her criticism of corruption in Nigeria was valid. He urged Tinubu to intervene, emphasizing that Shettima should focus on his vice-presidential duties rather than engage in personal attacks.
“It is the responsibility of President Bola Tinubu, who shares a Yoruba heritage, to guide Shettima away from engaging in a needless feud with Badenoch. Her remarks on the systemic corruption hindering Nigeria's progress were both honest and necessary,” Igboho said.
Drawing a parallel with past leadership, Igboho highlighted how ethnic and political criticisms were met with strict repercussions under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“When I protested against the destruction of farmlands, killings, and sexual violence by Fulani herders during Buhari’s administration, security forces raided my residence on July 1, 2021, killing two people and arresting 13 others,” he recounted.
Igboho criticized the government for its inability to address the nation's pressing challenges, including widespread poverty, insecurity, and economic instability. Instead of prioritizing these issues, he said, Shettima has chosen to target Badenoch unnecessarily.
“Nigerians are suffering under the weight of economic hardship, rampant poverty, and unrelenting insecurity. Yet, the Vice President has chosen to expend his energy on attacking Kemi Badenoch, rather than focusing on solutions for the nation’s problems,” Igboho remarked.
Defending Badenoch’s right to express her views, he added, “When did it become a crime to call out corruption or speak candidly about Nigeria’s struggles? Declaring her Yoruba identity is no offence. Shettima should leave her alone and concentrate on his duties.”
Igboho urged Tinubu to step in and redirect Shettima’s focus toward fulfilling his role as Vice President and addressing the issues affecting the Nigerian populace. “This diversion of energy toward unnecessary confrontations does nothing to help Nigerians who are looking for hope and solutions,” he concluded.