Fresh controversy surrounds the administration of President Bola Tinubu following reports that the financial accounts of Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo—widely known as Sunday Igboho—have been frozen. The development has reignited allegations of political persecution and further fueled accusations that the current government is continuing the repressive tactics of previous administrations.
The news was made public by Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayemi Koiki, who released an audio message via SaharaReporters claiming that the freezing of Igboho's accounts marks a continuation of the persecution he faced under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The action has raised serious questions about the motivations behind the move and whether it reflects a broader strategy to suppress dissent.
Sunday Igboho has long been a central figure in the Yoruba Nation self-determination movement, advocating for an independent Yoruba state. His outspoken activism and rising influence have placed him at odds with successive Nigerian governments, which critics say have often employed repressive tactics to neutralize voices of opposition.
Human rights advocates and political observers argue that the Tinubu-led administration’s decision to block Igboho’s financial access is politically motivated. Supporters see it as an effort to cripple the movement’s momentum by cutting off its ability to organize and mobilize. The action is also seen as part of a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape, where dissent is frequently met with punitive state measures.
This episode adds to a growing body of incidents pointing to systemic suppression of opposition figures. From targeted arrests and prolonged detentions to travel restrictions and asset freezes, the Nigerian government has often been accused of using institutional power to stifle political dissent and civil liberties.
The freezing of Igboho’s accounts has been met with swift condemnation from human rights groups and pro-democracy activists. Many have called the move a violation of his fundamental rights, arguing that such actions undermine constitutional guarantees of free expression and due process. The broader concern, however, extends beyond one individual—raising alarms about the fragility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Critics warn that repeated use of state power against political agitators risks eroding public trust in governance. As the Tinubu government continues to navigate its early months in office, how it handles the fallout from the Igboho affair may be a litmus test for its commitment to democratic norms, civil liberties, and human rights protections.
The spotlight now falls on Nigeria’s political leadership and its ability—or willingness—to tolerate dissent in a pluralistic society. With tensions rising, both within and outside Nigeria’s borders, the outcome of this episode could have far-reaching implications for civic freedoms in the country.