Igboho set to return from exile as Ooni, Olubadan, Olugbon, others secure his freedom

From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure

Prominent traditional rulers in Yoruba land including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja and Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao have concluded arrangements to secure the freedom of Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemi popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The prominent traditional rulers were said to have also perfected arrangements for his return to Nigeria after four years in exile.

The media aide to Sunday Igboho, Mr. Olayomi Koiki, confirmed the development in a statement issued yesterday.

“Igboho may return to the country any moment and will also be fully reintegrated after his clearance has been granted by the Presidency.”

Ahe activist had fled the country in July, 2021, following the invasion of his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services (DSS) and personnel of the Nigerian Army, over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

During the raid, three of his aides were killed, while 13 others were arrested.

However, the statement hinted that in 2025, Igboho had during a visit to the palace of Olugbon, in Orile Igbon in Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State lamented that he was fed up of staying in exile, pleading with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government to remove his name from wanted list.

The immediate past administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari had declared the activist wanted, barring him from using the Nigerian passport and also froze his bank accounts despite court judgments in his favour.

“This is a moment of joy for Yoruba land as Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and he’s no longer being sought for by government authorities.

“With the support of our royal fathers, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back,” Koiki said.

While expressing Igboho’s appreciation to President Tinubu, the statement also lauded other monarchs in the South West, Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide for their support while his travails lasted.