By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Yoruba activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, has called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Vice President Kashim Shettima regarding his verbal attacks on Kemi Badenoch, a prominent British politician and leader of the Conservative Party. Igboho’s appeal follows Shettima’s criticism of Badenoch for speaking out against Nigeria’s corruption and declaring her identity as a proud Yoruba woman, refusing to be associated with Northern Nigeria.
Igboho expressed his concern in a signed statement, urging Tinubu, as a fellow Yoruba, to direct Shettima to focus on his responsibilities rather than engage in unnecessary conflicts. He emphasized that it should not be a crime for anyone, including Badenoch, to voice their opinion on the corruption that hinders Nigeria’s growth. Igboho reminded the government of the severe consequences faced by those who criticized past administrations, specifically pointing to his own persecution during President Buhari’s tenure for advocating against the destruction of farmlands and violence by Fulani herders.
Igboho’s statement concludes with a call for Tinubu to reign in Shettima, redirecting his energy towards more constructive work in his role as vice president, rather than wasting time on what he sees as a needless feud.
Igboho’s call highlights the growing frustration with Nigerian leadership, where political figures often seem to prioritize personal or ethnic battles over the real issues facing the country, such as corruption, poverty, and insecurity. It’s crucial that leaders, especially in positions like Shettima’s, focus on uniting and solving the country’s challenges rather than engaging in divisive rhetoric that detracts from the collective goal of national progress.