Tag: Sunday Igboho

The Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as ‘Sunday Igboho‘, on Friday lauded President Bola Tinubu, South West governors and traditional rulers in Yorubaland over his recent freedom after almost five years in exile.

Recall that Igboho, who had been in exile after being declared wanted by the immediate past administration of Late President Muhammad Buhari, over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, returned to Nigeria last Monday.

On July 1, 2021, a combined team of the Department of State Security (DSS) and military personnel raided his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, in a botched attempt to arrest him, where two of his aides were killed and 13 others apprehended.

However, a statement by Igboho specifically expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for granting him a pardon.

He said: “I deeply appreciate the mercy and maganimity of our revered President Bola Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria after intervention by stakeholders in the traditional institution.”

“While I would not take this opportunity and freedom for granted, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the ravaging insecurity and support measures aimed at enhancing peace and socioeconomic growth in the country, especially in the Southwest.

“It is also very germane to appreciate all the South West State governors, namely Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), for their critical support and enviable roles.

While commending the South West governors, I want to single out Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the steady development of Oyo State. The visible impacts of his administration in virtually all the sectors and enviable infrastructural growth of this state have greatly turned around the aesthetics of Oyo to the envy of all.

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“Similarly, I want to congratulate him on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, which showcased noble roles played by statesmen and past leaders, whose significant contributions laid a stronger pedestal for the healthy developments being witnessed today.

“But my gratitude over the current freedom which I savour would be ineffectual without recognising the timely intervention of all Yoruba monarchs.

“Special recognition goes to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and other monarchs too numerous to mention.

“Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes are too massive, and I will continue to cherish everyone while also recommitting myself to the peace, unity, growth and protection of the collective interest of our ethnic nationality.”

• …set to collaborate with government in tackling insecurity

Yoruba nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has praised President Bola Tinubu, South West governors, and traditional rulers in Yorubaland following his recent return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.

Igboho had been in exile after the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari declared him wanted over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. He returned to the country last Monday, receiving widespread attention.

On July 1, 2021, a joint operation by the Department of State Security (DSS) and military personnel attempted to arrest him at his Ibadan residence in Oyo State. The raid resulted in the deaths of two of his aides and the arrest of 13 others.

In a statement, Igboho expressed particular gratitude to President Tinubu for granting him a pardon, describing it as a key step in his return to Nigeria.

He said, “I deeply appreciate the mercy and maganimity of our revered President Bola Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria after intervention by stakeholders in the traditional institution.”

Read Also: UPDATED: Sunday Igboho arrives Nigeria, appreciates Tinubu, Oba Ladoja, others

“While I would not take this opportunity and freedom for granted, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the ravaging insecurity and support measures aimed at enhancing peace and socioeconomic growth in the country, especially in the South West.

“It is also very germane to appreciate all the South West State governors, namely Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), for their critical support and enviable roles.

“While commending the South West governors, I want to single out Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the steady development of Oyo State. The visible impacts of his administration in virtually all the sectors and enviable infrastructural growth of this state have greatly turned around the aesthetics of Oyo to the envy of all.

“Similarly, I want to congratulate him on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, which showcased noble roles played by statesmen and past leaders, whose significant contributions laid a stronger pedestal for the healthy developments being witnessed today.

“But my gratitude over the current freedom which I savour would be ineffectual without recognising the timely intervention of all Yoruba monarchs.

“Special recognition goes to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and other monarchs too numerous to mention.

“Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes are too massive, and I will continue to cherish everyone while also recommitting myself to the peace, unity, growth, and protection of the collective interest of our ethnic nationality.”

Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho, yesterday arrived in Nigeria after his name was removed from the list of wanted persons.

He returned home from self-exile in neighbouring Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Upon arrival, Igboho was welcomed by supporters, Muslim clerics and others at his Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State home.

They offered prayers over Igboho’s smooth return, and also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and traditional rulers, who intervened in his case.

Recounting his ordeal, Igboho, who shed tears, lamented that under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings.

His return could be termed as another homecoming after he fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of Department of State Services and Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

In 2024, Igboho was in the country briefly for his late mother’s burial.

After arriving yesterday, Igboho proceeded to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was received by supporters.

READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria has not recovered from military rule’

The visibly happy Oba Ladoja welcomed Igboho and prayed for him.

Igboho said: ‘’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 authorised 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.

“My advice to Yoruba people is that we should unite so that we can take our region to greater heights. I’m confident President Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”

Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called for unity in addressing insecurity across Nigeria, with particular focus on the Southwest region.

He urged residents of the region to work together in the interest of future generations and the overall development of Yorubaland.

Igboho made the appeal in Ibadan during a thank-you visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

Read Also: JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

He expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is collaborating with Yoruba traditional rulers and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland and the country at large.

Explaining the purpose of his visit, Igboho said he was grateful to God and President Tinubu for heeding Olubadan’s intervention on his behalf.

“Baba Ladoja called me around 10: 03 on Friday. He said he was currently with President Tinubu on my behalf, and that I should leave exile and come back to Nigeria to unite with my family in peace.

“So, I’m here to thank Baba Ladoja and President Tinubu. I want all the Yorubas to also thank them for me.”

• …visits Olubadan

Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has arrived in Nigeria after the removal of his name from the list of wanted persons.

Igboho returned home from self-exile in neighbouring Cotonou, Benin Republic.

Upon arrival, Igboho was welcomed by supporters, Muslim clerics, and others at his Soka, Ibadan residence.

They offered prayers over Igboho’s smooth return, and also prayed for President Bola Tinubu and traditional rulers who intervened in his case.

While recounting his ordeal, Igboho, who shed tears, lamented that under the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favourable court rulings.

His return could be termed as another homecoming after he fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, following a raid on his Ibadan residence by a combined team of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

In 2024, Igboho was in the country briefly for his late mother’s burial ceremony.

Igboho then proceeded to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly received by supporters.

Read Also: JUST IN: Sunday Igboho set to fully return to Nigeria from self-exile

The visibly happy Oba Ladoja welcomed Igboho and prayed for his success.

In his speech, Igboho said: 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 the day 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 load, that he was with the President, and he had spoken with him. Baba Ladoja said he begged him, and he has authorised that I am cleared. I’m grateful to God Almighty because I never thought I would come back home.

“I’m very happy, that’s why I have to come and pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m sincerely grateful to President Bola Tinubu.

“My advice to Yoruba people is for us to unite, so that we can take our region to greater heights. I’m confident that President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”

Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka has faulted invasion of Ibadan residence of the Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, by combined team of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Army on July 1, 2021.

Igboho’s residence, located around Soka, in Ibadan, was invaded over allegation that he was stockpiling arms and ammunition.

In a video by Igboho’s media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Soyinka, who said that the Yoruba nation activist should not be pursued as a criminal, urged Federal Government to apologise to Igboho over the incident, which led to killing of two of his aides and arrest of 13 supporters.

Soyinka said: “My advice is not so much to Igboho but to the government that they should stop pursuing this person as a criminal because you (government) have begun by acting in a criminal fashion against him.

“Because if and when Igboho comes to trial I guarantee you that the government will be very embarrassed. It’s not in the interest of the government. I think they should just tell Igboho we made a mistake. 

“We should not have acted this way, you are no longer wanted go back to your home and in fact escort him to his home quietly and let him resume his normal life.

“To declare him wanted and again this is another issue of language. I read in some papers that Igboho is in hiding. But more accurately he probably just gone underground to protect himself and perhaps be able to continue his declared struggle. 

“I’m not talking about the secessionist aspect. I’m talking about what Igboho came out to do and I believe it is still his mission in this nation to protect, defend his own people and to let the aggressors know that they are not lords of this nation and not any section of it apart from what they are constitutionally entitled to.

“I think the government in known interest if you bring Igboho to trial he’s going to get mud in your face clearly. As far as I’m concerned it is up to Igboho to decide. 

“He knows what the circumstances were. He knows what happened before his people were killed and he’s the only one who can decide for himself. I cannot advise him.”

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has alleged that a trusted associate betrayed him during the July 2021 invasion of his Ibadan residence by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Igboho spoke during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, in Ondo State, at the weekend.

Although he did mention the name of the ally, he claimed the betrayal led to the killing of his cat in the raid, describing it as a direct attempt on his life.

“When my house was invaded, they wanted to kill me but failed. They fired guns at me very well but the prayers of you my fathers on me were answered,” Adeyemo said.

According to him, the security operatives gained access to his home through his Personal Assistant, who was forced to show them his room.

He maintained that a close ally had earlier informed the DSS operatives about his cat.

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“When I opened the door… they saw my cat on the bed. One of my friends that I entrusted with secret had told them not to let the cat go. So they killed the cat and wrapped it with clothes like a corpse,” he revealed.

The raid, which left two people dead and property destroyed, triggered condemnation from notable Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as well as several socio-political groups, who accused the government of abusing state power.

Recounting his ordeal, Igboho, who was later arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while attempting to flee, appealed to the monarch to intervene on his behalf.

“Tinubu is your son, you can convince him to free me… I would have entered the bush and faced them [insecurity],” he pleaded.

Oba Ogunoye described Igboho as a symbol of hope for many Yoruba youths and urged him to continue to uphold the law while pressing his cause.