By Trendsetter Tribune 
A Yoruba socio-political group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, has criticized what it describes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “silence” and insufficient response to worsening insecurity across parts of Nigeria, particularly in the South-West.
The group issued the statement following the abduction of a Kwara State traditional ruler, Oba S. Y. Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, by suspected gunmen in the Ile-Ire district last Thursday. Security agencies have not yet provided full public details on the incident, and investigations remain ongoing.
The statement, signed by the group’s Convener, Olusola Badero, and released through its Home Director, Princess Balogun, accused the federal government of not doing enough to protect rural communities from kidnappings and violent attacks.
According to the group, the abducted monarch had previously faced threats from armed groups described as terrorists. The statement alleged that some of these actors operate from forested areas and rural communities in parts of Kwara and the wider South-West — claims that have not been independently verified.
The group lamented what it called a loss of cultural security, saying incidents involving traditional rulers were once rare.
“This humiliation is happening because those saddled with the constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property have failed,” the statement argued, while also criticising some traditional leaders whom it accused of neglecting their responsibilities.
Claims About Federal Response
Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá further claimed that President Tinubu has not responded decisively enough to repeated cases of kidnappings and killings. The group accused the administration of relying on statements rather than actions — assertions that reflect the group’s opinion and not a legal finding.
The statement also faulted the President’s travel schedule and economic policies, alleging that recent tax measures have increased hardship. These remain policy criticisms and political views expressed by the group.
Concerns Over State Government Role
The group extended its criticism to the Kwara State Government, saying Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq must do more to ensure the safety of residents. It urged both federal and state authorities to work toward the immediate release of the abducted monarch, his son, and others reportedly kidnapped in different incidents.
Earlier Incidents Cited
As part of its argument, the group referenced previous reported attacks on traditional rulers, including the killing of the Olúkòrò of Koro, Segun Aremu, by suspected gunmen in 2024, as well as the abduction of the Oníbàrà of Bayagan Ile, Kamilu Salami, who was later released. Details surrounding each incident are based on earlier reports and investigations.
Call for Community Vigilance
The union called on Yoruba communities at home and abroad to work together to improve local safety — while stopping short of advocating unlawful action — saying residents should not rely solely on political leaders.
It argued that insecurity threatens livelihoods and local economies and urged authorities to prioritize the rescue of abducted persons, as well as sustained security reforms.
Government responses to the group’s allegations and appeals had not yet been detailed at the time of this report.