Peaceful Returns: Sunday Igboho Off Wanted List, Expresses Gratitude To President Tinubu, Ooni, Olubadan, Others
By Oludare Joshua
Prominent Yoruba activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, returned to Nigeria yesterday following his removal from the nation’s wanted persons list, marking the end of years of self-imposed exile in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Upon his arrival, Igboho was greeted by a crowd of supporters, Muslim clerics, and well-wishers at his residence in Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State. The gathering offered prayers for his safe return and invoked blessings upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and traditional rulers who facilitated his homecoming.
In an emotional address, Igboho recounted the hardships he endured under the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, during which he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen—despite court rulings in his favor. Fighting back tears, he expressed relief at finally being able to return home.
The activist’s troubles began on July 1, 2021, when a combined team of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Army raided his Ibadan residence over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, prompting his flight from the country. He briefly visited Nigeria in 2024 for his late mother’s burial before returning to exile.
Following yesterday’s arrival, Igboho proceeded to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he received a warm welcome from the traditional ruler and additional supporters.
A visibly pleased Oba Ladoja offered prayers for Igboho during the palace reception.
Speaking at the palace, Igboho expressed his profound gratitude: “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. Since I was in Cotonou, he has been checking up on me as a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja helped me by speaking with elders in Yoruba land.
”He spoke with me last Friday while I was in Cotonou. He told me to pack my belongings, that he was with the President and had spoken with him. Baba Ladoja said he begged him, and he has authorized that I am cleared. I’m grateful to God Almighty because I never thought I would come back home.
”I’m very happy. This is why I have to come to pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m grateful to President Tinubu.”
Igboho also appealed for unity among the Yoruba people, urging them to work together to advance the region’s development. He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s efforts to improve security across the nation.
