Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has returned to Nigeria following the removal of his name from the list of wanted persons.
Igboho arrived in the country on Tuesday after years in self-exile in Cotonou, Benin Republic. He was warmly received at his Soka residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, by supporters, Muslim clerics and well-wishers, who offered prayers to mark his safe return.
Speaking after his arrival, Igboho recounted his ordeal, shedding tears as he recalled how he was declared wanted during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He said he was denied access to a Nigerian passport and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings in his case.
Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a joint team of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.
After returning home, he proceeded to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was received by a large crowd of supporters. The monarch, visibly pleased, welcomed Igboho and offered prayers for him.
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Expressing gratitude, Igboho credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and prominent Yoruba leaders for facilitating his return.
“I am grateful to God Almighty for this day. I am also grateful to our President. Baba Olubadan Ladoja was instrumental to my final freedom,” he said.
“Since I was in Cotonou, he checked up on me like a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja spoke with elders across Yorubaland and engaged the President on my behalf.”
He revealed that Oba Ladoja personally informed him last Friday that his case had been resolved.
“He told me to pack my belongings because he had spoken with the President and I had been cleared. I never thought I would return home this way. I am deeply grateful to God Almighty and President Tinubu,” Igboho said.
He urged Yoruba people to remain united and work collectively for the development of the region, while expressing confidence in the President’s efforts to address security challenges in the country.
“I advise Yoruba people to unite so we can take our region to greater heights. I am confident President Tinubu is making efforts to improve security,” he added.
