The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA) has strongly condemned what it described as a “provocative and insensitive” campaign by activist Omoyele Sowore, calling for the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued by its national chairman, Kayode Richard Olatunji, the group said Sowore’s campaign was misguided and undermined the collective efforts of Nigerians, especially communities in the Southwest, yet to recover from the devastating effects of the unrest allegedly incited by Kanu during the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
In October 2020, tens of thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets to protest police brutality, particularly the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The protests, known as the #EndSARS demonstrations, began as a peaceful call for justice and reform.
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He said: “The #EndSARS protests represented a collective yearning for a better Nigeria, free from the oppressive practices of law enforcement agencies. However, this hopeful narrative took a dark turn when Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), intervened.
“His incendiary remarks on Biafran radio incited violence, calling for the killing of security personnel and the destruction of public and private properties. Kanu’s rhetoric undermined the peaceful nature of the protests and provided a dangerous rallying point for those seeking to exploit the situation for their own agendas.
“One such incident was the brazen attack on the palace of the Oba of Lagos by members of the IPOB acting on Kanu’s incitement. The attack resulted in the theft of significant sums of money and the desecration of a cultural institution.
“The invasion of the Oba of Lagos’s palace by IPOB members was not just an act of vandalism; it represented a profound breach of cultural and traditional authority. The castle, a symbol of the Yoruba monarchy and a site of historical significance, was stormed by individuals who, reportedly incited by the group’s leadership, sought to assert their political agenda through violence.
“The act of whisking away the Oba’s staff of authority, a revered symbol of kingship, underscored the gravity of the situation. This act was not merely a theft; it was an affront to the very fabric of Yoruba culture and an attempt to undermine the traditional leadership that plays a crucial role in community cohesion.
“The theft of $2 million and N17 million (approximately N787 million) during the raid further illustrates the chaos caused by Kanu’s incitement. While the #EndSARS movement aimed to address police brutality, the actions of the IPOB thugs revealed a stark contrast between the ideals of the protest and the reality of the violence that ensued.
“Such actions not only diverted attention from the original goals of the protests but also fueled narratives of lawlessness and disorder that detracted from the legitimacy of the movement.”
OPA also warned that rekindling such divisive advocacy could reignite old tensions, threatening the peace and unity of the Southwest.
He added, “The aftermath of Kanu’s incitement was catastrophic. In Lagos and its surrounding areas, IPOB thugs seized the opportunity presented by the #EndSARS movement to unleash a wave of violence and destruction. On October 21, 2020, clashes erupted at critical locations such as the Lekki Toll Gate, Surulere, Oyingbo, Alausa, Mushin, Ikotun, Agege, and Somolu.
“The violence was not confined to Lagos alone; it spread to other states, with prison riots co-occurring at Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons. The once peaceful protests devolved into a nightmare, resulting in numerous deaths and widespread destruction.
“The chaos extended beyond Lagos, with significant damage and looting in various states. In Ondo State, the Okitipupa Oil Palm Plc was attacked, with buildings razed and offices looted, resulting in losses estimated at N300 million.
“Similarly, in Ilorin, Kwara State, the Shoprite Mall and numerous businesses were heavily looted, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Osun State experienced its own share of mayhem, with stores and farms looted and properties destroyed, amounting to losses of around N5 billion.
“These incidents underscored how quickly a movement rooted in the quest for justice was hijacked by Kanu, leading to anarchy and suffering.
“As stewards of our people’s welfare, we cannot stand idly by while calls for his release trivialise the suffering experienced by those whose livelihoods have been disrupted or destroyed. The Odua People’s Assembly believes that accountability is a cornerstone of justice. Kanu must face the consequences of his actions, as should any individual who incites violence and chaos in our society.
“The campaign for Kanu’s unconditional release is therefore a direct affront to the memories of those who have suffered due to the unrest. It disregards the struggles of countless families who have lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones as a result of the turmoil he instigated. It is insensitive to the realities of our communities, many of which are still grappling with the aftermath of violence and destruction.
”This campaign threatens to reignite tensions that we have worked hard to quell. The Southwest has always been a region known for its resilience and unity, and we must not allow divisive rhetoric to fracture our bonds.
The Assembly urged the Federal Government to remain firm and ensure that Kanu’s prosecution runs its full course, saying doing otherwise would embolden future agitators to use violence as a political tool.
“The Odua People’s Assembly categorically rejects the campaign for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu. We view it as a dangerous and irresponsible call that disregards the pain and suffering of countless individuals in the Southwest. We stand united in our commitment to justice, peace, and the restoration of our communities,” they added.