Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on the Yoruba people to embrace unity and collective purpose as a pathway to regional development and improved security.
Speaking shortly after his return to Nigeria on Sunday, Igboho said unity among the Yoruba would enable the region to attain greater heights, expressing confidence in the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address security challenges across the country.
“My advice to Yoruba people is that we should unite so that we can take our region to greater heights,” he said. “I’m confident President Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”
Naija News reports that Igboho returned to the country after his name was officially removed from the list of wanted persons, ending years of self-exile in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Upon his arrival, the activist was received by a large crowd of supporters, Muslim clerics and well-wishers at his residence in Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Special prayers were offered for his safe return, while thanksgiving prayers were also said for President Tinubu and traditional rulers who played roles in resolving his case.
Overwhelmed by emotions, Igboho broke down in tears as he recounted his ordeal, describing his years in exile as painful and unjust.
Recounting events under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho lamented that he was declared wanted, denied access to a Nigerian passport and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court judgments.
“I was treated unfairly. My accounts were frozen, my passport seized, and I was declared wanted despite court rulings in my favour,” he said emotionally.
Naija News recalls that Sunday Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army, over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, claims he consistently denied.
He later resurfaced in the Benin Republic, where he was arrested and detained before eventually being released.
The activist noted that although he had briefly returned to Nigeria in 2024 for the burial of his late mother, Sunday’s arrival marked his first full return since going into exile nearly four years ago.
Following his arrival in Ibadan, Igboho proceeded to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly received by the monarch and cheering supporters.
Igboho Hails Tinubu, Ladoja, Adebanjo
A visibly elated Igboho credited President Tinubu, Oba Ladoja and late elder statesman Chief Ayo Adebanjo for their interventions, which he said ultimately secured his freedom.
“I’m grateful to God Almighty for this day. I’m also grateful to our President. Baba Olubadan Ladoja was instrumental to my final freedom,” he said.
“Since I was in Cotonou, he had been checking up on me as a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja spoke with elders in Yoruba land on my behalf.”
Igboho revealed that Oba Ladoja personally called him last Friday while he was still in Cotonou.
“He told me to pack my belongings. He said he had spoken with the President and begged him, and that the President had authorised that I be cleared,” he added.
“I never thought I would come back home. This is why I came to pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m very grateful to President Tinubu.”
The monarch, in his remarks, welcomed Igboho warmly and offered prayers for his continued safety and peaceful reintegration into the country.
