Democracy Died When Schoolchildren, Teachers, 174 Children, Women Remain In Captivity While Sowore Was Tear-Gassed On Democracy Day, Yoruba Monarch Killed By Terrorists — Yoruba Union

Abuja, Nigeria — The Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address as a mockery of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, lamenting that while innocent citizens remain in terrorist captivity and insecurity continues to worsen, the government is celebrating democracy and honouring political allies.

The group made the declaration while reacting to the death of a traditional ruler from Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, who reportedly died in terrorists’ captivity despite the payment of a ransom by his family and community.

In a statement issued by the Convener of the union, Olusola Badero, and released by its Home Director, Princess Balogun, the group condemned the attack on human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force during Democracy Day protests.

The union said the incident symbolised the collapse of democratic values in Nigeria.

According to the organisation: “Democracy died long ago in Nigeria. What happened on Democracy Day clearly showed that the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists have been betrayed.

“Omoyele Sowore is among the people who laid down their lives and fought relentlessly for the democracy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is enjoying today. Yet, the same Sowore was reportedly knocked down by police teargas and collapsed while demanding good governance and accountability from the government.

“It is shameful that on a day meant to celebrate freedom and democratic rights, security operatives were allegedly deployed against citizens exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest.”

The group questioned the basis for celebrating Democracy Day while insecurity continues to devastate communities across the country.

“What exactly are Nigerians celebrating? A traditional ruler was kidnapped and later died in terrorists’ captivity in Kwara State despite the payment of N21 million ransom.

“More than 40 schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oyo State are still being held by their abductors. In Kwara State, 174 children and women who were kidnapped by terrorists have remained in captivity for over two months.

“Despite repeated assurances by government officials, these victims have not been rescued. Their families continue to live in pain, uncertainty and fear.”

The organisation argued that Nigeria is not a banana republic where citizens should be intimidated, harassed or brutalised for demanding accountability from elected leaders.

“Nigeria is not a banana republic where security agencies are used to oppress citizens who are demanding their rights and asking legitimate questions about governance.

“Democracy cannot function without accountability, transparency, freedom of expression and respect for human rights. When citizens are attacked for speaking out, democracy ceases to exist.”

The group further criticised President Tinubu for  misplaced priorities amid worsening insecurity across the country.

“Instead of spending Democracy Day in Oyo or Kwara States as a sign of solidarity with victims of terrorism and their families, President Tinubu chose to confer national honours on his cronies and political associates.

“At a time when insecurity has taken over many parts of the country and communities are being displaced by terrorists, the government appears more interested in ceremonies and political patronage.

“It is disturbing that while innocent citizens remain in captivity, the government continues to extend amnesty and rehabilitation programmes to individuals described as repentant terrorists.”

The union warned that democracy cannot thrive where citizens feel abandoned by the state and where victims of terrorism are left at the mercy of their abductors.

It urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rescue of all kidnapped victims, strengthen security operations across affected communities, and uphold the democratic rights of Nigerians.

“Until schoolchildren, teachers, women, traditional rulers and other innocent citizens can live safely without fear of abduction or death, and until citizens can freely criticise their government without facing intimidation, Democracy Day celebrations will remain meaningless to millions of Nigerians,” Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá added.