Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on Vice President Kashim Shettima to desist from engaging in a verbal altercation with Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.
Badenoch, who was born to Yoruba parents and spent part of her childhood in Nigeria, has recently drawn criticism from Nigerians for her remarks about the country. She previously described Nigeria as a nation riddled with corruption and insecurity and said she identifies more with her Yoruba heritage than the Nigerian entity.
Her comments elicited a strong response from Shettima, who publicly rebuked her for “constantly denigrating” her homeland. However, Igboho defended Badenoch, saying her observations reflect the reality of Nigeria’s pervasive corruption and systemic failures.
In a statement released on Sunday, Igboho urged President Bola Tinubu to direct the Vice President to focus on addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues rather than engaging in verbal exchanges with Badenoch.
“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,” Igboho stated.
He criticized Shettima for prioritizing the backlash against Badenoch over the country’s numerous challenges, including economic hardship, poverty, and insecurity.
“Majority of Nigerians are experiencing harrowing poverty and insecurity, yet the Federal Government remains lost in finding solutions,” Igboho said. “Rather than deploying measures to alleviate the suffering of the masses, the Vice President is busy directing his energy toward Badenoch.”
Igboho also drew parallels to the previous administration, noting that under former President Muhammadu Buhari, criticism of the Fulani ethnic group often led to consequences. He highlighted his own persecution for advocating against the destruction of farmlands and violence attributed to Fulani herders.
“Because of my agitation against the destruction of farmlands, killings, and sexual violence by Fulani herders during Buhari’s tenure, security agents, on his orders, stormed my residence on July 1, 2021, killing two people and arresting 13 others,” he recalled.
Igboho concluded by asserting that Badenoch’s remarks were not offensive but an honest critique of Nigeria’s struggles with corruption and governance.
“Badenoch, proclaiming her true identity as Yoruba, has committed no offence. The Vice President should concentrate on his responsibilities instead of chasing shadows,” Igboho said.
