Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, widely known as Kwam 1, has urged key Yoruba leaders to step up efforts in addressing the worsening security situation across South-West Nigeria.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Friday, the veteran singer expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in different parts of the country. He called on Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Igboho and the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, to join forces in confronting the growing threat instead of leaving the responsibility solely to President Bola Tinubu.
According to Kwam 1, the fight against insecurity requires the collective involvement of political leaders, traditional institutions, security agencies, and influential figures across the region.
Addressing both men directly, he said the Yoruba people could not afford to remain silent while criminal activities continued to spread. He urged them to mobilise local security groups, including Agbekoya members and other community-based defenders, to help tackle kidnapping and killings.
“The President should not be left to carry this burden alone,” he said. “This issue affects all Nigerians, especially the Yoruba people. We cannot allow things to deteriorate under our watch. Gani Adams and Sunday Igboho need to rally the warriors and local security groups to confront those responsible for these crimes.”
Kwam 1 also appealed to prominent individuals across Ijebu, Ijesha, Ekiti, Ife, Egba, and Lagos to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and security in the region. He described the rising wave of kidnappings and killings as a stain on the South-West’s reputation and stressed the need for immediate action.
The singer further challenged Sunday Igboho to respond to growing public calls for stronger measures against criminal elements operating within the region. He argued that traditional institutions and local security networks still have an important role to play in safeguarding communities.
“Yoruba people are looking up to you,” he said. “This problem of kidnapping and killings must become a thing of the past. Governors should work closely with security agencies, local warriors, and community leaders to bring an end to it.”
Kwam 1 added that Nigerians deserve to live without fear and expressed his desire to see insecurity significantly reduced during President Tinubu’s administration. He called for unity among all stakeholders and encouraged everyone to contribute in whatever way they can to defeat criminality.
In a similar appeal, fellow Fuji musician Abass Akande, popularly known as Obesere, called on President Tinubu to intensify efforts to address the country’s security challenges.
Speaking in a separate video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Obesere lamented the activities of kidnappers, terrorists, bandits, and armed robbers, saying their actions have created widespread fear and uncertainty among Nigerians.
The singer urged the President to use the authority entrusted to him to find lasting solutions to the crisis. He also warned against stereotyping any particular ethnic group, noting that criminals now come from different backgrounds and are exploiting kidnapping as a lucrative business.
“Mr President, Nigerians have placed their trust in you,” Obesere said. “The responsibility to address these issues rests with your administration. Many innocent people, including women and young children, are suffering. We need decisive action to stop this crisis.”
He noted that insecurity has disrupted daily life and restricted people’s freedom to travel and carry out their activities without fear. Obesere appealed to the Federal Government to take stronger measures that would restore public confidence and ensure the safety of citizens.
Concluding his message, the singer urged President Tinubu to protect his legacy by taking meaningful steps to secure the nation.
“The people are looking to your leadership for solutions,” he said. “We pray that your administration will succeed in restoring peace, security, and prosperity across Nigeria.”
