Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has strongly condemned the July 2021 invasion of the Ibadan residence of Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, by a joint force of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.
In a recent video statement, the renowned playwright described the dawn raid as an unjustifiable assault and a “criminal” abuse of state power that resulted in the loss of lives. He insisted that the Federal Government owes Igboho a public apology for the violent operation, which led to the killing of two aides and the arrest of 13 supporters.
The raid was conducted on allegations of arms stockpiling, a claim Igboho has consistently denied. Soyinka argued that the government’s approach was flawed, stating that security agencies should focus on curbing nationwide insecurity rather than targeting individuals.
He warned that any future trial of Igboho would severely embarrass the government, advising authorities to instead “escort him to his home quietly” and allow him to resume his life.
