Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted him permission to return to Nigeria after spending nearly five years in exile.
Igboho returned to the country on Monday, having fled Nigeria in 2021 after he was declared wanted by the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of illegally stockpiling arms and ammunition.
On July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by military personnel, stormed Igboho’s residence in Ibadan in an attempt to arrest him. During the raid, two of his associates were killed, while 13 others were taken into custody.
In a statement released on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Igboho said his return was made possible through the intervention of traditional rulers and other key stakeholders across the South West.
He also expressed appreciation to governors in the region for their support, naming Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
The activist further acknowledged the roles played by prominent traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, among others.
“I sincerely appreciate the mercy and magnanimity of our esteemed President Tinubu, who graciously granted me the freedom to return to Nigeria following the intervention of traditional institutions,” Igboho said.
He added that he would not take the opportunity lightly, pledging to work with the Federal Government to address insecurity and support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and socioeconomic development, particularly in the South West.
While commending the South West governors, Igboho singled out Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for praise, highlighting what he described as significant developmental strides and visible infrastructural progress across the state.
He also congratulated Makinde on the celebration of Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, noting that the event honoured the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for the state’s current growth.
Igboho concluded by expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support from Yoruba people, reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity, development and the protection of the collective interests of the Yoruba nation.