Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution Vice President Kashim Shettima over his recent remarks targeting Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the British Conservative Party.
In a statement released in Osogbo on Sunday, Igboho defended Badenoch, who recently criticized corruption in Nigeria and distanced herself from being associated with Northern Nigeria. He described Badenoch's comments as truthful and necessary critiques of the systemic corruption stifling Nigeria’s development.
Igboho’s Criticism of Shettima
Igboho expressed disappointment at Shettima’s focus on Badenoch instead of addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues, including economic hardship, insecurity, and poverty.
“It is incumbent on President Bola Tinubu, who is also of Yoruba lineage, to direct Shettima to focus on his duties as vice president rather than engage in a verbal war against Badenoch. She merely expressed her candid and truthful opinion on the pervasive corruption in Nigeria’s system,” Igboho stated.
Drawing parallels to the previous administration, he accused the Federal Government of protecting ethnic interests under President Muhammadu Buhari, recalling his own persecution for speaking out against the destruction of farmlands and violence during Buhari’s tenure.
Badenoch’s Identity and Role
Igboho also defended Badenoch’s identification as Yoruba, asserting that she has the right to proclaim her heritage without backlash.
“When has it become a sin for someone to express their opinion or state the obvious about how corruption has stunted Nigeria’s growth? Badenoch, proclaiming her true identity as Yoruba, has committed no offence,” he said.
Call for Leadership Intervention
Igboho urged President Tinubu to direct Shettima to focus on his constitutional responsibilities and desist from what he termed “chasing shadows.”
“Majority of Nigerians are experiencing harrowing poverty and insecurity, yet the Federal Government remains lost in finding solutions. Rather than deploying measures to alleviate the suffering of the masses, the Vice President is busy directing his energy toward Badenoch,” he added.
The activist concluded by imploring Tinubu to prioritize addressing the challenges facing Nigerians and to ensure his administration remains focused on governance, leaving unnecessary verbal spats behind.
