Sunday Igboho Reacts to Buhari’s Death, Accuses Late Ex-President of Orchestrating Past Assassination Attempt

 

Yoruba Nation advocate and separatist leader, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has reignited long-standing accusations against Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari, following the latter’s reported death. The former president was said to have died on Sunday, July 13, while receiving medical treatment in a hospital in the United Kingdom.

In a video message shared across social media platforms shortly after the news broke, Sunday Igboho offered a sharp and emotional reaction. Speaking in Yoruba and later translated into English by supporters, the activist made no attempt to conceal his feelings. “Buhari wanted to kill me years ago, but now he has died before me,” he declared, referring to the tensions and persecution he claims he endured under the Buhari administration.

For years, Igboho has been a central figure in the Yoruba self-determination movement. He rose to prominence with his bold advocacy for the secession of the South-West region from the Nigerian federation. His stance, which he justified with claims of political marginalization, insecurity, and economic neglect, consistently put him in direct conflict with the central government. That tension escalated significantly during Buhari’s presidency, culminating in a violent raid on Igboho’s Ibadan home in July 2021.

The raid, carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS), left two of his aides dead and resulted in property destruction. Authorities claimed they discovered a cache of weapons and accused Igboho of inciting insurrection, fueling ethnic unrest, and illegally possessing arms. Igboho, however, denied the allegations, asserting that the operation was an attempt to silence his growing influence and crush the self-determination agenda he championed.

Shortly after the raid, the activist fled Nigeria and began a months-long journey across West Africa in a bid to seek asylum and escape arrest. His attempt to travel to Germany ended abruptly when he was apprehended in the Benin Republic. That arrest triggered massive protests across parts of the South-West and drew attention from international human rights groups. Supporters argued that his detention was politically motivated and part of a broader strategy to suppress ethnic dissent under Buhari’s rule.

In the video reacting to Buhari’s death, Igboho did not hold back his emotions. He recounted how his life was almost cut short during the security raid and how he narrowly escaped. His words were a mix of relief, vindication, and sorrow for those who lost their lives during his persecution. “My two boys were killed, my house was destroyed, and I was forced into exile. All because I spoke up for my people,” he said.

Although details surrounding Buhari’s death have not been officially confirmed by his family or the Nigerian presidency, the news has already sparked strong reactions across the political landscape. Many are reflecting on the former president’s polarizing legacy, particularly in relation to civil liberties, regional agitations, and national unity.

While some Nigerians have expressed condolences and praised Buhari’s years of service, others have highlighted his administration’s controversial approach to handling dissent. Sunday Igboho’s reaction is one of the most pointed among critics, serving as a reminder of the deep fractures that persist within Nigeria’s complex political framework.

Supporters of the Yoruba Nation movement have praised Igboho’s resilience and viewed his survival as symbolic of a broader resistance against what they perceive as decades of subjugation. On social media, hashtags like #IgbohoSpeaks and #JusticeForYorubaNation began trending shortly after his video message was posted.

Though Igboho has returned to public discourse following a period of quiet, he remains a polarizing figure. Some view him as a hero fighting for justice and self-determination, while others see him as a destabilizing force with separatist ambitions.

Despite the controversies surrounding his methods, Sunday Igboho continues to command significant support among a section of the Yoruba population. His reaction to Buhari’s death has only rekindled discussions about the legitimacy of regional grievances, the future of the Nigerian state, and how the country addresses its longstanding ethnic tensions.

The former president’s passing may have closed a chapter, but Igboho’s words suggest that the struggle he represents is far from over. As the political climate continues to evolve, the debate over self-determination, state power, and justice is likely to remain on the front burner.