Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, the outspoken Yoruba Nation activist, has returned to Nigeria after spending several years in self-imposed exile abroad. His homecoming on Monday marked a major development in a saga that has loomed large in Nigerian politics and public discourse.
Igboho arrived in Ibadan, Oyo State, and proceeded directly to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, where he was formally received in a courtesy and thanksgiving visit.
Return from Exile
His return follows reports that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has removed his name from the national wanted list, effectively clearing the way for his safe return to the country after years away.
In a statement, Igboho’s spokesperson Olayomi Koiki said the activist was no longer being pursued by Nigerian authorities and was free to come home, calling the moment a “moment of hope for Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland.”
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Background: Why Igboho Fled Nigeria
Igboho first left Nigeria in July 2021 after a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Soka, Ibadan, amid allegations that he was stockpiling arms and ammunition.
The raid, connected to his campaign against armed herdsmen in the Southwest, resulted in the deaths of some of his aides and the arrest of others. After fleeing to the Benin Republic, he was arrested at Cotonou Airport in July 2021 while attempting to travel to Germany. He was detained for over a year before his release in March 2022.
Monarchs’ Intervention Pivotal
According to his camp, the return was made possible after sustained intervention by prominent traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others, who are said to have appealed to President Tinubu to lift the restrictions against him.
Igboho expressed profound gratitude to the Olubadan during the visit, recognising the monarch’s support during his ordeals and describing the meeting as a deeply emotional moment.
Message from the Olubadan
Oba Ladoja thanked God for Igboho’s safe return and urged him to embrace wisdom, restraint, and peace in his activities going forward. The Olubadan also prayed for his health and counselled him to leverage this second chance responsibly.
Significance of the Return
Igboho’s return from exile is significant not only for his supporters but for national discourse around security, regional advocacy, and the role of traditional institutions in Nigeria’s peace processes. It is likely to reignite conversations about activism, governance, and the rule of law in the country.
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🇳🇬 Breaking: Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho returns to Nigeria after years in exile, following his removal from the federal government’s wanted list and through the intervention of Yoruba traditional rulers. He was warmly received by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja, in Ibadan — marking a major milestone in his political journey
Image Credit : Google
Source : Punchng
