Yoruba Nation Activist Sunday Igboho Reacts to Former President Buhari’s Death
Prominent Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho has publicly responded to the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a United Kingdom hospital.
A Controversial Statement
In a video that quickly went viral on social media platforms, Igboho made a striking comment about his long-standing conflict with the former head of state: “Buhari wanted to kill me years ago, but now he has died before me.”
The activist’s statement references years of tension between him and the Buhari administration, stemming from Igboho’s vocal campaign for Yoruba self-determination.
Background of the Conflict
Sunday Igboho rose to national prominence as a leading voice in the movement for an independent Yoruba nation. His activism focused on what he described as:
- Systemic marginalization of the South-West region
- Growing insecurity in Yoruba territories
- Economic neglect by successive federal governments
The 2021 Crackdown
The conflict reached its peak in 2021 when security forces under Buhari’s administration:
- Raided Igboho’s residence in Ibadan
- Killed two of his aides during the operation
- Declared him wanted for alleged arms stockpiling and incitement to violence
This incident forced Igboho to flee Nigeria. His subsequent arrest in Benin Republic while attempting to travel to Germany sparked:
- Widespread protests across South-West Nigeria
- A diplomatic standoff between Nigeria and Benin Republic
- International attention on the Yoruba self-determination movement
Public Reaction and Legacy
Igboho’s latest comments have reignited discussions about:
- The treatment of activists under Buhari’s administration
- The ongoing debate about restructuring in Nigeria
- The future of the Yoruba self-determination movement
As Nigeria processes the news of Buhari’s passing and reflects on his eight-year presidency, statements like Igboho’s highlight the complex political landscape and unresolved tensions that continue to shape the nation’s discourse.
Credit: This report is based on original reporting by NigerianEye.