FG must obey ruling on payment of N20bn to Igboho, says separatist group

Ilana Omo Oodua, the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, says the federal government must obey the court order asking the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay N20 billion to Sunday Igboho over the invasion of his home.

On Friday, Ladiran Akintola, a judge at the Oyo state high court, awarded the sum as exemplary and aggravated damages against the DSS.

Igboho had sued the AGF, the DSS, and the director of the DSS in Oyo state, demanding N5.5 billion in damages over the raid of his Ibadan home on July 1.

Two persons were said to have been killed while 12 others were arrested following the raid.

Reacting to the development, the Yoruba separatist group led by Banji Akintoye, in a statement by Maxwell Adeleye, its spokesperson, commended the judiciary for reaffirming that self-determination is one of the fundamental human rights.

The group argued that the judgment depicts the “illegalities” displayed by the federal government against Igboho, who is currently in detention in Benin Republic.

“We thank the judiciary for re-affirming that self-determination is one of the fundamental human rights of the citizens that cannot be subjugated,” the statement reads.

“Our position is that this verdict symbolises triumph of light and truth over darkness. Igboho represents the light and truth, while the Nigerian state stands for Illegalities.

“Our position now is that the Nigerian government should be honorable by respecting the verdict of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“The #20billion damages ordered by court to be paid to Igboho by the DSS should be paid with immediate effect in the interest of peace.”