Igboho’s threats raise tension as Oyo MACBAN shuts markets, formally petitions Gov Makinde
By KEMI KASUMU
The petition, addressed to Governor Makinde and copied to the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Alapata of Igboho, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Executive Chairman of Igbeti/Igboho Local Government, and other security agencies, alleged that developments following a palace meeting in Igboho had heightened fears within the Fulani community.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Oyo State chapter, has appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene in what it described as growing tension in Igboho, warning that alleged threats and an illegal quit notice issued against Fulani settlers could undermine the long-standing peaceful coexistence in the area.
In a petition dated June 26, 2026, and signed by its Oyo State Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Abubakar Jiji, the association urged the governor to ensure that constitutionally recognised security agencies, rather than individuals, handle criminal matters in order to preserve peace and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The petition, addressed to Governor Makinde and copied to the Olubadan of Ibadan, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Alapata of Igboho, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Executive Chairman of Igbeti/Igboho Local Government, and other security agencies, alleged that developments following a palace meeting in Igboho had heightened fears within the Fulani community.
According to MACBAN, the issue arose during a peace meeting convened at the palace of the Alapata of Igboho on Saturday, June 20, 2026, following the reported kidnapping of three members of the Igboho community.
Alhaji Jiji said he attended the meeting alongside other Fulani stakeholders despite being ill because of his commitment to peace. He added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igboho Division was also present.
The association alleged that during the meeting, Yoruba nation activist Sunday Igboho addressed attendees and issued what it described as a two-hour ultimatum for the release of the kidnapped victims, allegedly warning that he would “take a stand” against the Fulani community if the victims were not released.
The petition further claimed that accusations were made linking the kidnappings to Fulani residents without the conclusion of any official investigation.
“We are concerned by the conclusion reached at the meeting that our people are the perpetrators without investigation by the relevant security authorities,” the petition stated.
MACBAN maintained that before the palace meeting, Fulani leaders had already met with the Executive Chairman of Igboho Local Government, members of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing the area, the Divisional Police Officer, and other security agencies.
According to the association, all parties at that earlier meeting agreed to cooperate with security agencies to identify and apprehend anyone involved in criminal activities, regardless of ethnic background.
Reaffirming its position, the association declared that it does not support criminality in any form and remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies.
“We reassure Your Excellency and the entire Oyo State Government that we do not condone any form of criminality or lawlessness. We remain committed to cooperating fully with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure peace and security,” the petition read.
However, the association insisted it would not accept what it described as threats or an unlawful quit notice from any individual.
“We will not accept threats or an illegal quit notice from any individual, no matter how highly placed, when the Chief Security Officer of the local government and the Divisional Police Officer are actively handling security matters. Such actions can only destabilise the peace we have enjoyed over the years,” MACBAN said.
The association appealed to Governor Makinde to prevail on Sunday Igboho to allow security agencies to investigate criminal allegations instead of taking independent action.
Specifically, MACBAN urged the governor to call the activist to order, direct all stakeholders to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and grant Fulani leaders in Igboho an audience to reaffirm their support for his administration.
“We respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to advise Mr Sunday Igboho to allow constitutionally established security agencies to handle criminal matters. We also request that all stakeholders be directed to maintain peace and avoid actions capable of causing a breakdown of law and order,” the petition stated.
The association praised Governor Makinde’s administration for its infrastructural projects and people-oriented policies, pledging the loyalty and cooperation of Fulani settlers in the state.
It also stressed the economic contributions of Fulani residents to Oyo State and insisted that anyone found guilty of criminal offences should be prosecuted strictly in accordance with Nigerian law, irrespective of ethnicity.
“Fulani settlers in Oyo State are peace-loving and contribute economically to the state. Any individual, Fulani or otherwise, found culpable of crime should be dealt with according to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Alhaji Jiji wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Oyo State Government or from Sunday Igboho regarding the allegations contained in the petition.
See screenshots from the petition to Governor Seyi Makinde below:
