Sunday Igboho commends Tinubu, Yoruba monarchs over freedom

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

Igboho had fled the country after the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari declared him wanted over allegations of illegal possession of arms and ammunition. His return to Nigeria last Monday has since generated widespread public attention.

Recall that on July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside military personnel, raided Igboho’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, in an attempt to arrest him. The operation led to the death of two of his aides and the arrest of 13 others.

In a statement issued after his return, Igboho expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for granting him a pardon, describing the gesture as instrumental to his safe return to the country.

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

He added that he would not take the opportunity for granted, pledging his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and promote peace and socioeconomic development, particularly in the South-West region.

Igboho also praised the governors of the South-West states for their support, mentioning Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti) and Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo).

While acknowledging the collective efforts of the governors, he singled out Governor Makinde for commendation, citing what he described as visible infrastructural development and progress across sectors in Oyo State.

He further congratulated the Oyo State government on the celebration of its 50th anniversary, noting that the event highlighted the contributions of past leaders and statesmen to the state’s development.

Igboho also expressed gratitude to Yoruba traditional rulers for their intervention, specifically acknowledging the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, among others.

According to him, the support of Yoruba indigenes both at home and in the diaspora was overwhelming, as he reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity and the protection of Yoruba interests.