Solidarity Movement of Nigeria which is hardcore group of Farmers in the six states of the South West Nigeria, Thursday took to the streets in Ibadan, Oyo State, to call for the immediate release of Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho.
Agbekoya members
In a video shared by BBC Pidgin, the protesters started the protest from Mapo Hall in Ibadan, carrying placards boldly demanding the release of Igboho whom they claimed was fighting for their rights.
It will be recalled that during the early and late 60s the dreaded Agbekoya movement engaged the Federal Government with the then vice chairman of the Federal Executive Council , Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the then Governor of the Western Region, Col. Roberts Adeyinka Adebayo in confrontation over the payment of tax.
It took the political savy of Chief Awolowo then to quench the uprising which shook the former Western region.
It will also be recalled that the hostilities was such that a host of policemen sent to their enclave in Akanran, a suburb of Ibadan had hectic time removing their uniforms as their skin were said to be peeling with the attempt to remove the uniform.
Chief Obafemi Awolowo had to come down to Akanran to dialogue with the farmers who were led by one powerful farmer, Tafa Adeoye whose personal house was at Elekuro area of Ibadan.
The Agbekoya Parapo Revolt of 1968–1969, popularly known as Agbekoya or the Egbe Agbekoya Revolt, was a peasant revolt in Nigeria’s former Western region, home to the majority of the country’s Yoruba population.
This war was fought and won against the Federal government of Nigeria by the Ibadan people of present Oyo State, on behalf of all Yoruba Land. It was spearheaded by two villages in Ibadan: the Akaran and the Akufo village. It is the most well-known peasant-driven political revolt in western Nigerian history, and continues to be referenced by grassroots organizations as a successful example of collective action against unpopular government policies. The revolt was predominantly aimed at agitating for a reduction in taxes, though some believed there were also political catalysts.
Some of the inscriptions on the placards carried during the Thursday protest read: “Back to the 1960 national constitution”, “Free, free ,free Chief Sunday Adeyemo Igboho. He is not a criminal”, and “Agricultural revolution and safety for farmers now”.
Igboho was arrested three months ago alongside his wife in Cotonou, Benin Republic by security operatives in the West African country on July 19 after fleeing Nigeria to evade arrest by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS it will be recalled, had declared Igboho wanted after its operatives carried out a bloody raid on his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, killing two people and arresting 12 aides but Igboho escaped.
Calls for the release of Igboho have been on the increase lately.
Some days ago, a Nigerian-American philanthropist, Toyin Dawodu urged the Benin Republic government to immediately release Igboho from detention.
Also, some weeks ago, Igboho’s lawyer, Yomi Alliyu pleaded with the government of Benin Republic to immediately release the activist for urgent medical attention overseas.
Olayomi Koiki, Igboho’s spokesperson had also said his principal was in urgent need of medical attention
Our reporter with further agency report.
Source:Patmosmedia online with agency reports
