THE expected court trial of the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Igboho, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, was, on Monday, held behind closed doors, due to a large gathering of his supporters at the Benin Republic High Court.
According to eyewitness report, the Yoruba activist was sneaked into the court premises in the early hours of Monday by security operatives who, later in the evening, chased everyone, including journalists, out of the court premises.
As of 7.19 p.m., both the supporters and newsmen waiting to catch the glimpse of the Yoruba nation activist had been sent out of the court premises by armed security men.
As of the time of filing in this report, many of Igboho’s supporters were waiting outside the court premises, as security vans drove into the premises in droves, possibly to whisk away the activist.
Journalists were barred from entering one of the court chambers where Igboho was being tried, even as lawyers kept walking in and out of the chamber, signifying that the court session was ongoing as of the time of filing in this report.
It was gathered that hearing could not hold in the court room due to the turnout of supporters who had besieged the court to witness the hearing.
One of the supporters of Igboho who walked up to the Nigerian Tribune said, “If we hear good news, you will enjoy our company. However, if it’s negative news, don’t come near us.”
As at 7.30 p.m. when the Nigerian Tribune correspondent left the court premises, Igboho was still upstairs in the court chambers while the court had already been barricaded by security operatives waiting to take him away.
Some fierce looking supporters of the activist refused to make comments when approached by the Nigerian Tribune while some others were stopping journalists from taking pictures at the court.
Meanwhile, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Monday, rallied 10 prominent Benin Republic monarchs in support of Igboho, saying the monarchs had been assigned to play both traditional and fatherly roles in ensuring that Igboho’s right to freedom is protected without abuse or misjudgements.
This effort was to ensure justice and fairness in the ongoing court case involving Igboho, who has been in the spotlight following his arrest at the Benin Republic International Airport enroute Germany, alongside his wife, Ropo.
Iba Adams, who disclosed this in a statement by his special assistant on media, Mr Kehinde Aderemi, added that it was the duty of the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and that of other traditional rulers to support Igboho at this trying time, while maintaining that the case against him should not be taken with levity.
According to the Yoruba generalissimo, Igboho needed the support of all, saying all was in the struggle for the liberation of Yoruba race “and whatever happens to Igboho happens to us.” He said, “I am not comfortable with the way the Federal Government is handling Sunday Igboho’s case and I have made my position known to the world. I have also rallied over 10 prominent Yoruba monarchs in the Republic of Benin to discuss the possibility of getting Igboho off the hook, and ensure that he regains his freedom unconditionally.
“Going forward, I think we must stand by him because we are all in the struggle for the liberation of our race and whatever happens to Igboho happens to us.
“And the journey, though, didn’t begin with him, it will definitely not end with him, because the agitation for self-determination is our legitimate rights for which we are ready to follow with all our strengths.”
The pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, on Monday, commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, for sending a delegation to Cotonou, the Republic of Benin, where Igboho is currently facing trial.
The group also commended the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi, who last week set up a caucus meant to work on various issues pertaining to Yoruba interests, including Igboho’s travail.
The commendation was contained in a release issued on behalf of Chief Ayo Adebanjo, the acting leader of Afenifere, by Comrade Jare Ajayi, the national publicity secretary.
Also, the Afenifere leader lauded some kings and Yoruba communities in Benin Republic who were reported to have mobilised in support of Igboho, “for ensuring that an Oduduwa son, Igboho, does not suffer unjustly.”
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