Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has formally petitioned relevant Nigerian security and law-enforcement agencies to immediately investigate the alleged inflammatory utterances and conduct of Akin Fapohunda.
Ejiofor gave the authorities 72 hours to commence an investigation into what he described as hate-filled and ethnically intimidating remarks allegedly made by Fapohunda, warning that he would institute legal action should the agencies fail to act within the stipulated period.
In a statement titled, “Monday Musings: When Political Threats Echo Rwanda: Why Nigeria Must Ruthlessly Confront Ethnic Intimidation Before It Consumes the Nation The Imperative of Investigating Akin Fapohunda’s Inflammatory Rhetoric,” issued on Monday, Ejiofor stated that ethnic intimidation, reckless provocation, and statements capable of endangering national unity must not be tolerated in any civilised and democratic society.
According to him, silence or inaction in the face of such dangerous rhetoric would amount to a grave failure of constitutional responsibility.
“Accordingly, if no visible investigative action is taken within seventy-two (72) hours from today, I shall proceed to institute a direct criminal complaint against Akin Fapohunda in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
The human rights lawyer further noted that the reckless weaponisation of ethnicity for political intimidation remains one of the gravest threats to national unity, democratic stability, and peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.
Ejiofor argued that history has repeatedly shown that nations do not descend into chaos overnight, but are gradually pushed toward instability through dangerous rhetoric, unchecked hate speech, and the silence of institutions expected to act decisively.
“Recent statements credited to Afenifere chieftain, Akin Fapohunda, have understandably generated widespread concern, particularly among voters from certain ethnic groups residing across the South-West, especially Lagos State. Any declaration that remotely suggests catastrophic consequences, violence, or genocidal comparisons should citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote according to conscience is not merely irresponsible; it is profoundly dangerous,” he stated.
He warned that Nigeria must never trivialise inflammatory ethnic rhetoric, especially comments invoking memories reminiscent of the Rwanda genocide, which remains one of humanity’s darkest chapters.
“The genocide in Rwanda did not begin with weapons; it began with poisonous rhetoric, ethnic profiling, fear-mongering, and threats disguised as political commentary. History warns us that words, when left unchecked, can become accelerants of violence,” he added.
According to Ejiofor, what should deeply concern every reasonable Nigerian is not necessarily whether the individual making such statements possesses the capacity to execute any implied threat, but the atmosphere of fear such rhetoric creates among citizens.
He stated that comments capable of instilling fear in millions of innocent citizens, discouraging electoral participation, or making people feel unsafe in any part of Nigeria strike at the very heart of constitutional democracy.
Ejiofor stressed that it is imperative for Nigeria’s security agencies to rise above selective enforcement and demonstrate institutional neutrality.
He recalled how inflammatory ethnic tensions contributed to hostility and avoidable casualties during the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, warning that the country cannot afford a repeat of such toxicity ahead of the 2027 elections.
“By this communication, I formally petition the relevant Nigerian security and law-enforcement agencies to immediately investigate the inflammatory utterances and conduct of Akin Fapohunda.
“Ethnic intimidation, reckless provocation, and statements capable of endangering national unity must not be tolerated in any civilised and democratic society. Silence or inaction in the face of such dangerous rhetoric would constitute a grave failure of constitutional duty.
“Accordingly, if no visible investigative action is taken within seventy-two (72) hours from today, I shall proceed to institute a direct criminal complaint against Akin Fapohunda in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he reiterated.
Ejiofor further maintained that there must be a decisive end to impunity and reckless utterances capable of threatening public peace and national cohesion.
According to him, security agencies owe Nigerians a duty to thoroughly investigate any statement capable of provoking ethnic hostility, political violence, or public unrest, irrespective of the status, tribe, or political affiliation of the individual involved.
He cautioned that silence in the face of dangerous rhetoric could be interpreted as tacit approval, adding that history has shown that institutional indifference often fertilises the ground for national tragedies.
“At a time when Nigerians are already burdened by severe economic hardship, insecurity, and deep social anxieties, the political class and influential voices must embrace restraint, moderation, and statesmanship, not incendiary declarations capable of tearing apart the country’s fragile national cohesion.
“Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians.
“No ethnic group has a superior claim to nationhood, and no citizen should ever be threatened for exercising democratic choices. Political disagreements must never degenerate into ethnic hostility, intimidation, or veiled threats of violence.
“The future of Nigeria can only be secured through justice, equity, mutual respect, and peaceful democratic engagement, never through fear, coercion, or ethnic blackmail disguised as political advocacy.
“Let this serve as a solemn reminder that hate-filled rhetoric, if left unchecked, eventually consumes both the target and the society that tolerates it,” he stated.
