A pan-Yoruba socio-political group has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of abandoning his responsibility as Nigeria’s chief security officer while insecurity worsens across the country.
The group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, said the President has remained silent as terrorists continue to operate freely in parts of Yoruba land and other regions.
The criticism followed the abduction of a Kwara State monarch, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, who were kidnapped by suspected terrorists in the Ile-Ire area last Thursday.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the group said the incident shows how deeply insecurity has taken root in the South-West. It accused the federal government of failing to protect lives, even as fear spreads across rural communities.
The statement was signed by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun.
According to the group, armed groups operating in forests across Kwara and neighbouring states have turned the region into a safe haven for criminal activities.
“We all know that in Yoruba land we used to say ‘Oríadé kì í sùn tán’ (Royalty does not sleep outside), but today terrorists have subjected our traditional rulers to public humiliation,” the group said.
It described the kidnapping of traditional rulers as a dangerous break from Yoruba history and culture. The group said such incidents were once unthinkable in the region.
The group accused Tinubu of placing personal comfort and political interests above public safety. It also criticised his frequent foreign trips.
“President Tinubu is enjoying the people’s taxes abroad despite the widespread poverty, crippling insecurity, dilapidated schools and collapsing hospitals at home,” the statement said.
It further accused the President of issuing statements without taking real action. The group said the refusal to replace ineffective security officials has worsened the crisis.
The Kwara State Government was also criticised. The group accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of failing to protect residents from criminal violence.
“We are calling on President Bola Tinubu and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to immediately ensure the release of Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, his son Olaolu, and all other abducted persons,” it said.
The group warned that insecurity could empty villages and farmlands if urgent action is not taken.
It called on Yoruba people at home and abroad to take steps to defend their communities, saying reliance on political leaders who have failed could lead to further devastation.