A prominent Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, also known as the Yoruba Union, has lambasted former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing him of complicity in violent attacks by herdsmen across the South-West during his regime.
In a statement signed by the group Convener, Olusola Badero, and released by the Home Director, Princess Balogun, the Union said Buhari’s administration “enabled and shielded” violent elements responsible for widespread killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of farmlands in Yoruba communities.
“History will not forgive Muhammadu Buhari for the suffering inflicted on the Yoruba people under his leadership,” the group declared.
The Union referenced a series of high-profile incidents, including the killing of Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and the invasion of Igangan in Oyo State, saying both crimes were committed by herdsmen who operated with impunity under Buhari’s watch.
“All eyewitnesses confirmed she was killed by Fulani herdsmen who emerged from the bush and shot her in broad daylight,” the statement read.
They also condemned the abduction of elder statesman Chief Olu Falae, noting, “Chief Falae was forced to trek over 30 kilometers, slept in the bush for days, and was moved every few hours — all while Buhari remained silent.”
The group accused Buhari of overseeing a presidency that “turned a blind eye” to atrocities committed by violent herdsmen, allowing “our women to be raped, our men killed, and ancestral lands overtaken.”
They also linked Buhari to the invasion of the residence of Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, alleging that the former president orchestrated the violent raid and made efforts to extradite him from Cotonou for demanding self-determination.
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“This is not about politics. This is about justice and memory,” the Union stated. “The Yoruba will never forget the terror we endured under Buhari.”
The group further referenced the killing of innocent worshippers during the Owo church massacre and the death of a German-trained doctor in Oyo who was allegedly murdered by suspected herdsmen. They also decried the release of Iskilu Wakili, a notorious figure accused of terrorizing parts of Ibarapa.
On the #EndSARS protests, the Union held Buhari responsible for the loss of lives at the Lekki Tollgate in 2020, asserting that his legacy was stained by “bloodshed and silence.”
“Those praising Buhari’s legacy were not among the families who buried their loved ones. His Fulani kinsmen acted with impunity, and he said nothing,” the group added.
The Union concluded by calling for national accountability and remembrance for all the victims of herdsmen violence in the South-West.
“Our ancestors will not forgive him. The pain remains, and justice must still be pursued. We will not forget,” they said.