How involvement in Yoruba Nation agitation put my life in danger — Agitator, Showemimo

A Yoruba Nation agitator, Toheeb Showemimo, has lamented over his involvement in the continued secessionist calls by Yoruba people to stand as a sovereign nation away from Nigeria.

Showemimo, in an interview with our reporter, explained how a series of attacks and clampdowns on agitators by security forces have made it “imporubaubssible for me to live a safe and secure life in my homeland.”

According to him, the recent turmoil in the South-west region of the country “has put the Yoruba people at the center of a severe crisis. Clashes between Yoruba Nation agitators and security forces have resulted in tragic losses and escalating violence.”

He added that the crisis resulted in the death of many people while others suffered grievously during this period of unrest and political instability. 

“These incidents reflect the growing tensions and targeted violence against those who advocate for the rights and autonomy of the Yoruba people,” he stated.

The Yoruba Nation agitator noted that aside from being a Yoruba man who wanted best for the region, his direct relationship with a vocal advocate and one of the leaders of the Yoruba Nation agitation, has significantly heightened the threat to his life. 

Continuing, Showemimo explained that the courage and leadership role of his relation, who continued to call on the Yoruba people to assert their rights and seek self-determination has made him a target of governmental scrutiny and retaliation. 

“My familiar connection to him has drawn unwanted attention and has made me a target of this repression and hostility, not only from the government but also from opposing groups,” he recalled.

According to him, “the security forces’ heavy-handed response to the peaceful demands for Yoruba self-determination has exacerbated the situation, leading to the deaths of innocent people and heightening fears of persecution among those associated with the movement.

“As a Yoruba person and a relative of a leader of Yoruba Nation agitation, I am deeply committed to my cultural heritage and the rights of my people. However, this commitment has come at a great personal cost. I have been forced to live in constant fear for my safety and the safety of my family. The threat to my life is real and imminent,” Showemimo lamented.