Written by Adeola Badru
Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, is a Yoruba nation activist who has praised President Bola Tinubu, South-West governors, and Yorubaland’s traditional rulers for allowing him to return to Nigeria after over five years in exile.
Igboho returned to the nation on Monday after being listed as wanted during the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s government due to accusations that he was hoarding weapons and ammunition.
After a joint team of Department of State Services (DSS) agents and military soldiers attempted to arrest him during a raid on his home in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, on July 1, 2021, he went into exile. Two of his assistants were killed during the operation, while thirteen others were taken into custody.
Igboho conveyed his sincere gratitude to President Tinubu for pardoning him in a statement made available to journalists on Friday, characterizing the move as a show of mercy and statesmanship.
He stated, “I sincerely appreciate the mercy and generosity 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, mostly especially in the South West,” the statement went on.
“As I applaud the governors of the South West, I would especially like to recognize Governor Seyi Makinde for his enormous contributions to Oyo State’s steady progress.
Oyo’s aesthetics have significantly improved to everyone’s admiration thanks to his administration’s obvious effects in almost every sector and the state’s remarkable infrastructure development.
In a similar vein, I would like to congratulate him on the celebration of Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, which highlighted the admirable roles played by statesmen and former leaders, whose noteworthy contributions strengthened the foundation for the positive advancements being observed today.
However, without acknowledging the prompt involvement of all Yoruba kings, my appreciation for the freedom I currently enjoy would be meaningless.
“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 list deserve special recognition.”
The statement ended with the words, “Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes is 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.”
