By Peter Omopo
Yoruba nation activist, , popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has commended the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), , for cancelling the Monday sit-at-home order in the South-East.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho described the decision as a significant and thoughtful step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
The pro-Biafran group had declared the sit-at-home in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and subsequent detention. Over the past five years, the directive led to the closure of markets, schools, banks and offices across the South-East on Mondays, with economic activities largely paralysed.
Commending the move, Igboho said the cancellation of the weekly exercise marked an end to what he termed a five-year economic siege on the region.
“Chief Sunday Adeyemo wishes to commend the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on his recent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East zone of Nigeria,” the statement read. “Chief Igboho believes that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful.”
Beyond the cancellation, Igboho urged Kanu to adopt a diplomatic approach by engaging the Federal Government through dialogue and mediation to resolve his legal and political challenges.
“Chief Igboho urges the IPOB leader to vigorously explore dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in his ordeal,” the statement added.
He expressed optimism that the administration of President would be open to negotiation and mutual understanding in the interest of peace, security and shared prosperity.
While acknowledging Kanu’s right to pursue self-determination, Igboho emphasised the need for peaceful engagement, noting that meaningful dialogue could pave the way for lasting stability in the South-East.
The statement also criticised individuals and groups allegedly benefiting from unrest in the region, urging them to desist from acts of violence that undermine economic recovery and development.
Igboho’s remarks are being viewed as a notable show of solidarity between two prominent ethnic activists, amid growing calls for negotiation and peaceful resolution of tensions in the South-East.
