Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, is expected to return to Nigeria after spending nearly four years in self-imposed exile.
His spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed the development in a statement made available to journalists, saying arrangements had been concluded for Igboho’s safe return and reintegration into the country.
According to the statement, the breakthrough followed sustained diplomatic and traditional interventions by leading monarchs in the South West, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, among others.
Koiki said Igboho had received clearance from the Presidency, paving the way for him to return to Nigeria at any time, barring unforeseen circumstances.
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“This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole. Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities.
“With the support of our royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ooni of Ife, Olugbon of Orile Igbon and others, Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan,” the statement said.
The spokesperson added that Igboho had earlier expressed frustration with life in exile and appealed to the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove his name from the wanted list and restore his civil rights.
Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Ibadan over allegations of illegal possession of arms. During the operation, three of his aides were reportedly killed, while 13 others were arrested.
He subsequently escaped to the Benin Republic but was arrested on July 19, 2021, at the Cotonou airport while attempting to board a flight to Germany. He remained in detention for over a year before his release in March 2022.
The statement noted that under the previous administration, Igboho was declared wanted, had his bank accounts frozen, and was barred from using his Nigerian passport, despite court rulings in his favour.
Koiki said Igboho had expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the traditional rulers in the South West, as well as Yoruba communities at home and abroad, for their support throughout his ordeal.
