The spokesperson to Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday
Adeyemo, has dismissed allegations contained in a petition reportedly submitted by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State Chapter, insisting that the activist has never threatened any ethnic group but has remained committed to combating criminality across Yorubaland.
This came in a statement issued by Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, following a petition allegedly written by MACBAN Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jiji, as well as recent remarks by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on the regulation of private and community-based security organisations.
Koiki described the allegations that Igboho threatened the Fulani community in Igboho Kingdom as “false and misleading,” maintaining that the activist’s campaign has always been directed at kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers and other criminal elements, rather than any ethnic or religious group.
Igboho, the statement said, has consistently maintained that law-abiding residents, irrespective of their background, have nothing to fear from his activities, adding that his interventions over the years have been motivated by the need to protect innocent lives and address growing insecurity in communities across the South-West.
The spokesperson further stated that many traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Igboho could attest to Igboho’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice, noting that his stance against insecurity has continued to receive public support in affected communities.
Koiki, however, expressed disappointment that the Oyo State Government appeared to have reacted to the petition without first giving Igboho or his representatives an opportunity to present their side of the story.
He urged the state government to uphold the principles of fairness and natural justice by engaging all parties before reaching conclusions on issues capable of generating public concern.
While responding to Governor Makinde’s position that all community security groups must operate within the law, Koiki said Igboho had never advocated otherwise.
He maintained that any community-based security initiative associated with the activist was intended to function within the ambit of the law and in collaboration with relevant government authorities and security agencies.
“Our collective objective should be the protection of lives and property, not the politicisation of security concerns,” the statement noted, while calling on residents of Oyo State to remain peaceful, avoid spreading misinformation and allow verified facts to shape public discourse.
The latest response comes against the backdrop of the Oyo State Government’s renewed effort to regulate community security organisations through Executive Order No. 001 of 2026.
Koiki described the allegations that Igboho threatened the Fulani community in Igboho Kingdom as “false and misleading,” maintaining that the activist’s campaign has always been directed at kidnappers, bandits, armed robbers and other criminal elements, rather than any ethnic or religious group.
Igboho, the statement said, has consistently maintained that law-abiding residents, irrespective of their background, have nothing to fear from his activities, adding that his interventions over the years have been motivated by the need to protect innocent lives and address growing insecurity in communities across the South-West.
The spokesperson further stated that many traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of Igboho could attest to Igboho’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice, noting that his stance against insecurity has continued to receive public support in affected communities.
Koiki, however, expressed disappointment that the Oyo State Government appeared to have reacted to the petition without first giving Igboho or his representatives an opportunity to present their side of the story.
He urged the state government to uphold the principles of fairness and natural justice by engaging all parties before reaching conclusions on issues capable of generating public concern.
While responding to Governor Makinde’s position that all community security groups must operate within the law, Koiki said Igboho had never advocated otherwise.
He maintained that any community-based security initiative associated with the activist was intended to function within the ambit of the law and in collaboration with relevant government authorities and security agencies.
“Our collective objective should be the protection of lives and property, not the politicisation of security concerns,” the statement noted, while calling on residents of Oyo State to remain peaceful, avoid spreading misinformation and allow verified facts to shape public discourse.
The latest response comes against the backdrop of the Oyo State Government’s renewed effort to regulate community security organisations through Executive Order No. 001 of 2026.
Governor Makinde had explained that the directive was introduced to ensure that vigilante groups and other security outfits operate within a legal and coordinated framework, stressing that security initiatives must be properly registered, monitored and must not engage in ethnic profiling or activities capable of escalating tension in the state.
The governor has consistently maintained that while community participation in security is important, all such efforts must complement the work of statutory security agencies and remain subject to the rule of law.
Igboho’s camp reiterated its commitment to peace, the rule of law and the safety of every law-abiding resident of Yorubaland, while expressing hope that continued dialogue among government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community stakeholders would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity and preserve peaceful coexistence across Oyo State.
The governor has consistently maintained that while community participation in security is important, all such efforts must complement the work of statutory security agencies and remain subject to the rule of law.
Igboho’s camp reiterated its commitment to peace, the rule of law and the safety of every law-abiding resident of Yorubaland, while expressing hope that continued dialogue among government, security agencies, traditional institutions and community stakeholders would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity and preserve peaceful coexistence across Oyo State.
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