Think Yoruba First (TYF), a socio-cultural organisation, has defended Yoruba self-determination advocate, Sunday Igboho, following calls by a Fulani socio-cultural group on President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde to caution him over his continued advocacy on issues affecting the security and welfare of the Yoruba people.

 

In a statement on Thursday by the organisation, TYF described the demand as misplaced and disconnected from the realities confronting many Yoruba communities across the South-West and other parts of the country.

 

The group said the Yoruba, as one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic nationalities with a rich cultural and historical heritage, have every right to embrace their identity and advocate for their collective interests within the Nigerian federation.

 

According to the statement, Yorubaland has remained one of the most accommodating regions in the country, providing opportunities for Nigerians from different ethnic backgrounds to live and work peacefully without discrimination.

 

The organisation, however, stressed that the tolerance and hospitality traditionally associated with the Yoruba people should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.

 

TYF noted that several communities across the South-West, particularly in rural areas, have in recent years experienced kidnappings, killings, attacks on travellers, and the destruction of livelihoods, forcing many farmers to abandon their farmlands and residents to live in fear.

 

The group argued that it was against this backdrop of growing insecurity that individuals such as Igboho emerged as vocal advocates for the protection of Yoruba communities.

 

“Whether one agrees with all his methods or rhetoric, it is undeniable that his rise to prominence was largely a response to the widespread frustration of ordinary people who felt abandoned in the face of growing insecurity,” the statement said.

 

TYF urged Fulani socio-cultural organisations to focus their attention on condemning criminal elements responsible for violent attacks across the country rather than criticising those raising concerns about insecurity.

 

It maintained that the activities of violent criminals had caused greater damage to peaceful Fulani-Yoruba relations than public statements by advocates of community self-preservation.

 

The organisation also acknowledged that millions of law-abiding Fulani citizens have lived peacefully among Yoruba communities for generations and continue to make positive contributions to society.

 

It added, however, that concerns persist over the ability of communities to distinguish between peaceful residents and criminal elements amid recurring security challenges.

 

TYF further stated that the Yoruba, like every other ethnic nationality in Nigeria, have a legitimate right to advocate for their security, defend their constitutional rights, and demand adequate protection of their lives, property, and livelihoods through lawful means.

 

The group rejected attempts to portray Igboho as the source of the problem, insisting that the underlying security concerns that prompted his advocacy remain unresolved.

 

It called on relevant authorities and stakeholders to prioritise efforts aimed at tackling criminality, strengthening community security, and ensuring that all Nigerians can live without fear irrespective of their ethnic background.