The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has condemned the arrest of human rights activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore by security operatives allegedly acting on the orders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the Union accused the Tinubu-led administration of waging “a relentless war” against journalists, activists, and opposition voices in Nigeria.

Describing the arrest as “an embarrassment to democracy and an assault on freedom of expression,” the group said Yoruba people worldwide are ashamed of what it called “a dangerous precedent being set by one of their own.”

The statement recalled Tinubu’s pro-democracy activism during the military era, lamenting that he has now become “a tormentor of those who dare to demand accountability and justice.”

“Arresting Omoyele Sowore will not deter Nigerians from demanding justice, equity, and good governance.The more Tinubu arrests activists and journalists, the more he exposes his administration’s oppressive tendencies to the global community," the group declared.

The Union also criticised the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, accusing him of turning the Nigeria Police Force into “a tool of intimidation rather than an institution for public protection.”

It expressed disappointment that Egbetokun, a Yoruba man, has “aligned himself with the oppressors instead of standing with the masses.”

 “People like Kayode Egbetokun do not deserve to hold such an important national position. He has repeatedly threatened Omoyele Sowore and other critics who expose government wrongdoings. Instead of being removed, Tinubu continues to use him as a weapon against journalists, activists, and opposition figures," the Union said.

The group warned that history would not be kind to Tinubu and his allies if they continue on the path of repression and political intimidation, drawing parallels with past authoritarian regimes.

 “Tinubu and his likes should remember what became of General Ibrahim Babangida, who once ruled with an iron fist. Today, Babangida sits in a wheelchair as if he never ruled the country. No dictator escapes the judgment of history,” it added.

According to the Union, the Yoruba are traditionally known as Omoluabi, people of integrity, truth, and justice, and Tinubu’s actions in office contradict these values.

It lamented that rather than addressing worsening hunger, unemployment, and economic hardship, the government has chosen to “divert attention through repression and persecution.”

 “Calling public officials to account is not an act of disrespect, it is an expression of responsibility and love for our nation.

Yoruba people will never stand behind falsehood and tyranny," the statement read.

The Union therefore demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Sowore, describing the charges against him as politically motivated and baseless.

It also called for an end to the harassment of journalists and activists across the country, warning that Nigeria cannot afford another era of dictatorship disguised as democracy.

“The Tinubu administration must stop weaponising state institutions against its critics. We urge all Nigerians to resist intimidation and stand together for justice, truth, and freedom," the group said.