Fuji music legend Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1, has called on prominent Yoruba leaders to play a more active role in addressing the growing insecurity in the South-West region.
Gatekeepers News reports that the singer made the appeal in a video shared on his Instagram page on Friday amid increasing concerns over kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes across parts of the country.
Kwam 1 specifically urged Sunday Igboho and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, not to leave the responsibility of tackling insecurity solely to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the rising wave of kidnappings and killings requires a collective response involving political leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies and influential figures across the region.
“The two of you (Sunday Igboho, Gani Adams) must not leave the President to handle this matter alone. It concerns all Nigerians and the Yoruba people,” he said.
“The Yoruba are the ones ruling the country, and for things not to fall apart on our watch, Gani Adams and Igboho must rise, call all the warriors, the Agbekoya, and their troops to defeat this kidnapping and killing.
“All the powerful people in Ijebu, Ijesha, Ekiti, Ife, Egba, and Lagos stand up against this. This is a disgrace to the region. Do not leave Tinubu alone to handle this; it concerns all of us. Kidnapping and killing are becoming a terrible pattern in this region, and this will not be tolerated here. Igboho, call Gani Adams, and all of you must move fast on this issue.”
The veteran musician also urged Sunday Igboho to respond to public calls for stronger action against criminal groups operating in the South-West, stressing that traditional institutions and local security groups have important roles to play.
“All the Yoruba people are asking you to wage war, and everybody will follow you. Sunday Igboho, on this issue of kidnapping and killing, let this growing problem become a thing of the past in this region.
“All warriors, wherever you are, do not sleep. Governors, mobilise all the warriors, the police, and soldiers to address this matter.”
Kwam 1 further expressed hope that insecurity would be significantly reduced during President Tinubu’s administration.
“We want the killing and kidnapping to stop in Nigeria during the tenure of Asiwaju, my principal. We must speak with one united voice on this matter,” he said.
In a separate appeal, fellow Fuji musician Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.
Speaking in a video shared on Instagram on Thursday night, Obesere lamented the continued activities of kidnappers, terrorists, bandits and armed robbers, saying they have created widespread fear among Nigerians.
“Tinubu, we have given you power; use it. If someone has offended you and it is making you angry, remember we are all human beings; do not hold on to the offence. Help us find a solution to this kidnapping crisis,” he said.
“All these matters rest on your table; help us find solutions. The power is in your hands, and no one can question how you use it, so use it rightly. Think of the mothers. Think of the one-, two-, and three-year-olds among the abducted, those being beaten with sticks and guns, and those who have already been killed.”
The singer noted that worsening insecurity has disrupted daily life and made it difficult for many Nigerians to move freely without fear.
Describing his message as an open appeal to the President, Obesere called on the Federal Government to take stronger measures to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of citizens.
“Please act so that you will not carry a bad name, and this nation will not fall apart during your tenure. Let your legacy not be told as a shameful history to generations yet unborn,” he said.
“The people look up to your leadership and trust that stronger measures will be taken to restore peace, security, and confidence throughout the nation.
“Mr President, we respectfully urge your administration to intensify efforts against criminal elements and ensure that every Nigerian can live without fear. May God guide you with wisdom and strength as you lead our great nation toward peace, progress, and prosperity.”
