Sunday Igboho Returns To Nigeria After Removal From Wanted List, Praises Tinubu And Oba Ladoja
Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has returned to Nigeria following the removal of his name from the country’s wanted list. Igboho arrived from self-exile in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and was warmly received at his Soka, Ibadan residence by supporters, Muslim clerics, and well-wishers, who offered prayers for his safe return as well as for President Bola Tinubu and the traditional rulers who helped secure his freedom. The activist, visibly emotional, recounted the difficulties he faced under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, when he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favorable court rulings. His return marks another homecoming after fleeing 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 alleged stockpiling of arms and ammunition. Igboho had previously returned briefly to Nigeria in 2024 for his late mother’s burial. This time, he proceeded to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly welcomed by supporters. Oba Ladoja prayed for his success and praised his resilience. In a speech at the palace, Igboho expressed gratitude to God, the President, and traditional leaders for their support. He 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 spoke with elders in Yoruba Land and coordinated with the President to ensure my clearance.” He added, “He told me to pack my load and return home. I never thought I would come back. I’m very happy, which is why I have come to pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m sincerely grateful to President Bola Tinubu.” Igboho also called for unity among Yoruba people, saying, “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.”