A monarch, close to the Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Igboho, has said that the activist preferred to have remained in Nigeria fighting against killer herdsmen in Southwest but was advised by some elders in the region to flee.
According to him, Igboho, considering their advice, decided to move to Benin Republic where he later decided to travel to Germany.
He added that the matter had earlier generated misunderstanding among the activist’s supporters as some of his kinsmen wanted him to stay in the country fighting.
The Monarch, who spoke to the Punch said, “He (Igboho) didn’t want to leave for the Benin Republic. He preferred to face the battle in Nigeria but we felt the manner DSS raided his house and killed people was dangerous for him. We actually forced him to flee because of his safety. They went as if they were directed to either kill him or bring him alive.”
He added that Igboho’s absence would not stop the agitation for the Yoruba Nation.
“We want Yoruba Nation but not at the expense of anyone’s life. There would not have even been an agitation if the government lived up to their responsibilities,” he said.
On the choice of Benin Republic, he said, “We have Yoruba-speaking people there. We have monarchs who still have ancestral traces to Nigeria. The Ooni and Alaafin still have a strong influence on some of their monarchs and we are of the belief that it was the best option. The monarchs gave him all the support he needed and we appreciate that.”
FirstNews had reported that Igboho’s trial in Cotonou court would continue on Monday after his wife, Ropo Adeyemo was released by the court.
He was arrested on Monday while trying to board a flight to Germany from Benin Republic.