Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, South-West governors and traditional rulers for facilitating his freedom and return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.
Igboho, who was declared wanted during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, returned to the country on Monday. His return follows what he described as a presidential pardon granted after interventions by key stakeholders in the South-West.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Igboho thanked President Tinubu for what he called an act of mercy and statesmanship. He said the gesture would not be taken for granted and pledged his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity and promoting peace and socioeconomic development, particularly in the South-West.
“I deeply appreciate the mercy and magnanimity of our revered President Bola Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria,” Igboho said, adding that he remains committed to peace, unity and national growth.
He also commended the governors of the South-West states for their roles in his return, naming Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo. Igboho singled out Governor Makinde for praise, citing infrastructural development and improvements across sectors in Oyo State, as well as the recent commemoration of the state’s 50th anniversary.
The activist further acknowledged the intervention of Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, among others.
Igboho went into exile following a raid on his Ibadan residence on July 1, 2021, by operatives of the Department of State Services and the military, during which two of his aides were killed and 13 others arrested.
He concluded by thanking Yoruba indigenes for their support and reaffirmed his commitment to the protection of the collective interests of the Yoruba people and the unity of Nigeria.
