Odumakin tells govt.of Benin Republic to free Igbo

LAGOS, Nigeria – Human rights crusader, Dr. Joe Oke-Odumakin has called for unconditional release of Yoruba-self determination activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho who was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

In a statement, Odumakin said news of the arrest of the Yoruba self-determination activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, hit  her like a thunderbolt.

“Reports have now confirmed that he was arrested and is being held by the authorities of the Republic of Benin at an undisclosed location. Reports that he has been released and that he has left Benin republic for Germany have also been confirmed not only to be false but also to be injurious to his case of asylum-seeking that he is said to be processing before his arrest incidence in the neighbouring West African country”, Odumakin said.

“We call on those peddling this unfounded rumour to desist henceforth. Whether by friends of Igboho or his detractors, such rumour is an ill wind that blows no one any good. We call on the authorities of the Republic of Benin, a democracy and country under law, to speedily process and grant Igboho’s asylum application”, the activist said.

According to her, it is not debatable that Igboho will come to grief if he is extradited to Nigeria under the prevailing circumstances.

“The way the present Nigerian authorities romance these despicable elements while silencing their victims leave a sour taste in the mouth. Bearing in mind the way and manner in which Nnamdi Kanu was whisked into Nigeria recently, in circumstances yet to be fully explained, and the various efforts at enacting gag laws by the same Nigerian authorities, there is no denying the fact that fascism is already creeping upon Nigerians”, she said.

She said it is certain that Igboho cannot be assured safety or justice if extradited to Nigeria.

“He should be released from detention unconditionally and his safety and liberty guaranteed by the Republic of Benin authorities under extant international law”, she said,  stressing that protection of life and property is the fundamental rights of citizens and the overriding objectives of State policy.

“Neglecting these and running after critics is inimical on the long run to the good health, safety, and continued in corporate existence of our beloved country, Nigeria”, she warned.