The Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) has condemned the continued detention of 27 Yoruba Nation activists at Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing it as unlawful and unjust.
In a statement signed by CHRSJ’s Assistant General Secretary, Pastor Micheal Agassi, and made available to journalists on Tuesday, the group criticized the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde for what it termed a “continued persecution” of Yoruba Nation agitators. CHRSJ accused the administration of betraying the Yoruba cause by incarcerating those who sought to defend and uplift the Yoruba race within the framework of Nigeria.
The group noted that while Boko Haram insurgents in Northern Nigeria have been pardoned and reintegrated into society, peaceful Yoruba Nation activists have remained in detention for over two years. It further lamented that this prolonged detention has already claimed the life of one of the detainees.
Calling on Governor Makinde to exercise the prerogative of mercy as provided under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), CHRSJ urged him to unconditionally release the activists and drop all charges.
The activists currently in custody include:
Muritala Abefe, Alabi Ogundeji, Fatunbi Wasiu, Ajani Ezekiel, Fatoki Anthony, Elegbede Adeola, Adeniyi Ademola, Isaac Friday, Adeyemo Peter, Ayanwale Rofiat, Adeyemo Joseph, Toyin Dosunmu, Abiona Esther, Funsho Omoyajomo, Olutola Olufemi, Titi Taiwo, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, Ayanwale Saburi, Ismail Adepoju, Oritola Alabi, Fakeye Kayode, Olalere Mathew, Ibukun Sogunle, and Adesokan Hammed.
The group appealed to prominent Yoruba traditional rulers to intervene and pressure the state government to act in the interest of justice and history. “The continued incarceration of these activists will be remembered as a dark chapter, and history will judge the actions and inactions of leaders who failed to defend their own,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the case is scheduled to continue on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, before Justice O.M. Olagunju at the Oyo State High Court 3.
CHRSJ also advised legal counsels to the activists to seek bail, asserting that the charges are bailable under Oyo State and Nigerian laws.
