Igboho’s asylum: Odumakin’s wife writes to Benin Republic Authorities
The President, Women Arise and Centre for Change, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin has called on the authorities of the Republic of Benin, to speedily process and grant Yoruba self-determined activist, Sunday Adeyemo’s asylum application.
This is coming on the heels of the news of Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho’s arrest in Cotonou.
“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”, she wrote.
Reports have confirmed that he was arrested and is being held by the authorities of the Republic of Benin at an undisclosed location.
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin however berated reports that he has been released and that he has left Benin republic for Germany.
She said the reports have 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.
“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”, she wrote.
She noted that it is not debatable that Igboho will come to grief if he is extradited to Nigeria under the prevailing circumstances.
“It is most unfortunate that a Nigerian government that treats with kid gloves terrorists of the hues of Boko Haram, herdsmen, and bandits ravaging the entire Northern Nigeria applies the sledge hammer on law-abiding citizens protesting against such terrorists and their wanton destruction of lives and property”.
“The way the present Nigerian authorities romance these despicable elements while victimising, oppressing and silencing their victims leave a sour taste in the mouth”, she added.
She recalled 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.
“The tell tale signs of military dictatorship are rearing their ugly heads again under a supposedly democratic government of President Muhammadu Buhari”.
Odumakin however appealed to the authorities of Republic of Benin to release Igboho from detention unconditionally and guarantee his safety and liberty under extant international law.
She advised the Nigerian authorities to stop chasing shadows but address the patent dangers posed to the country by the despicable elements it is treating with kid gloves.
“Protection of life and property is the fundamental rights of citizens and the overriding objectives of State policy”.
“Neglecting these and running after critics and opposition figures is not only irresponsible but also inimical on the long run to the good health, safety, and continued corporate existence of our beloved country, Nigeria”, she concluded.
