THE CENTRE for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ) has strongly condemned the continued detention of 27 Yoruba Nation activists at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, describing it as illegal and unjust.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the human rights group accused the Seyi Makinde-led administration of persecuting the activists, labeling the state government as “an enemy of the Yoruba race.”
CHRSJ highlighted the contrast between the treatment of the activists and the pardon granted to members of the Boko Haram insurgent group in Northern Nigeria, who have been reintegrated into society despite their crimes.
According to the statement signed by Pastor Michael Agassi, the Assistant General Secretary of CHRSJ, the prolonged prosecution of the activists — some held for over two years — has already led to the death of one detainee.
The group urged Governor Makinde to exercise his constitutional power of prerogative of mercy and release the remaining activists unconditionally.
“These individuals committed no crime other than advocating for the advancement of the Yoruba people within Nigeria’s legal framework,” Agassi stated.
He called on prominent Yoruba traditional rulers to intervene and pressure the state government to free the detainees without further delay.
The activists, whose names were listed in the statement, include Muritala Abefe, Alabi Ogundeji, Fatunbi Wasiu, and 24 others. Their case is currently before Justice O. M. Olagunju of the Oyo State High Court 3, with a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
CHRSJ further advised the legal representatives of the activists to pursue bail, noting that the charges against them are bailable under Oyo State law and the Nigerian Constitution.
The group warned that history would judge the actions—or inactions—of leaders regarding the rights of the Yoruba people.
