The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has condemned the presidential pardon granted to Yoruba self-determination activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, describing it as a “grave miscarriage of justice” and a painful reminder of what it called the state’s failure to protect Fulani communities in Oyo State.
In a statement on Tuesday, MACBAN’s South-West Zone said the decision had reopened old wounds from the violent clashes and attacks allegedly carried out against Fulani settlements between 2020 and 2021, warning that the pardon could deepen ethnic mistrust and weaken national unity.
The statement, signed by the South-West Coordinator, Alhaji Mumini Muhammad, said Fulani communities received the pardon with “deep anger, pain and total rejection,” accusing Igboho and his supporters of orchestrating killings, arson, destruction of homes, cattle rustling and the forced displacement of families across parts of Oyo State and neighbouring areas.
“These acts were not carried out in secrecy,” the group said. “They happened openly and in full view of authorities. Many of us witnessed them, and evidence exists.”
MACBAN singled out the January 22, 2021 attack in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, describing it as a defining tragedy in which lives were lost, homes razed and families permanently displaced.
It added that similar incidents were recorded in Iseyin and along major routes across Oyo, where Fulani herders were allegedly killed while travelling or conducting lawful businesses.
“These were not rumours or misunderstandings. They were deliberate acts of violence,” the association insisted.
The herders’ group also expressed concern over the alleged role of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, whom it accused of facilitating and championing the pardon process, citing what it described as his long-standing relationship with Igboho.
“Was Oba Rashidi Ladoja not in Oyo State when these atrocities were committed?” the group asked.
“Was he unaware when Fulani communities were attacked, homes burned, cattle stolen and innocent people killed? Why was there no official condemnation, investigation or compensation at the time?”
MACBAN said it was unacceptable that Fulani victims were met with silence, while “swift political and institutional efforts” were mobilised to secure Igboho’s freedom and eventual pardon.
The association also drew parallels between Igboho’s pardon and the continued detention and prosecution of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, questioning what it described as inconsistencies in the application of justice.
“Nnamdi Kanu committed actions classified as threats to national security and was arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned,” the statement said.
“Yet a Yoruba man accused of violent acts resulting in deaths, displacement and destruction is granted a presidential pardon. Does justice in Nigeria now depend on ethnicity?”
MACBAN warned that the pardon amounted to “a slap in the face” of Fulani victims, including widows, widowers, orphans and displaced families, arguing that it undermines public confidence in government and sends a dangerous signal that some lives are expendable.
“The Fulani community is not asking for revenge,” the group said. “We are demanding justice.”
It called on the Federal Government to formally acknowledge crimes committed against Fulani communities in Oyo State, compensate affected families including the displaced Seriki Fulani and others who lost lives, homes and livelihoods — and provide a public explanation for Igboho’s pardon.
“Peace cannot exist where injustice is rewarded. National unity cannot survive where victims are ignored and perpetrators are celebrated. We demand fairness, dignity and equal justice under the law,” the statement added.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
