Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho has said he is now free to leave Benin Republic having perfected the conditions of his release and thanked those he said facilitated his release.
Sunday Igboho confirmed his release in an interview with Nigerian Tribune.
“I am now free to return to Nigeria and visit any country in the world. I have fulfilled all the legal conditions attached to my bail a few years back and I am coming home to Nigeria, my country of origin, any moment from now.
“I can confirm to you that I am now free to come back to Nigeria. There is no legal encumbrance again. Even though I have been living in Cotonou for some time, I can confirm to you categorically that I have now secured the liberty to leave Cotonou for Nigeria,” he said.
In a statement he read on Instagram, the Yoruba Nation activist thanked former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Prof Banji Akintoye; Afenifere leader, Ayo Adebanjo; and some traditional rulers of Yoruba origin for the roles they played in facilitating his release.
The Herald recalls that INTERPOL arrested Sunday Igboho on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, the Republic of Benin en route to Germany.
His travails began in Nigeria in March 2021 when he declared Yoruba Nation’s sovereignty.
He had first started a campaign to chase murderous Fulani herdsmen out of Yoruba land.
The Yoruba Nations activist however fled the country in July 2021 after the Department of State Services (DSS) invaded his Soka residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital at night, killed some of his comrades and arrested others.
The secret police had accused him of stockpiling arms, and claimed after the raid that seven AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and 5,000 rounds of ammunition, charms and other weapons were recovered from his apartment.
His statement put out via Instagram read, “First of all, my sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.
“I give special thanks to President Talon of Benin Republic and to all members of his cabinet. My gratitude goes to my heroic father, Professor Banji Akintoye, and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support in the course of the struggle. May God reward you Baba for your standing courageously for our Yoruba nation and me. You promised to stand by me through my ordeal in Benin Republic and you have fulfilled your promise.
“I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom. Let me use this opportunity to say thank you to all religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics and traditional worshippers for their prayers day and night.
“Our royal fathers, Obas and Chiefs in Yoruba land, your love and support are so appreciated. But we need more of your support to deliver our lands from slavery because Yoruba land is ours.
“Although I have many Obas on my list, Olugbon of Orile Igbon and deputy chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, Kabiesi Oba Topspin o ni Bariga of Bariga, Oba Tejuoso, Oni Kenta of Orile Kenta, Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, Oba Fredrick Akinruntan Obateru, thanks immensely for your love.
“I must not forget to appreciate the Megarally USA under Prophet Ologunloluwa and the Directorate under the leadership of Barrister Ogedengbe. Special thanks to Ilana Omo Oodua, Canada and Igbega Omo Oodua USA and Canada.”