Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been cleared to return to Nigeria after spending several years in self exile, following sustained interventions by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers and key stakeholders in the South West, The Nation has learnt.
Reliable sources confirmed that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, were central to the efforts that led to Igboho’s clearance and reintegration. Their engagement with relevant authorities reportedly helped resolve outstanding issues surrounding his status and facilitated his return.
Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, disclosed that the intervention of the monarchs, alongside other respected leaders across the South West, paved the way for the lifting of restrictions previously placed on the activist.
“This is a moment of joy not only for Ibadanland but for Yorubaland as a whole. Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities,” Koiki said.
He added that Igboho is now a free man and preparations are already underway for his return to Ibadan. According to him, details concerning travel arrangements and his eventual homecoming will be made public in the coming days.
In 2025, Igboho had publicly lamented his prolonged stay abroad, describing the experience as exhausting and emotionally draining. During a visit to the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, in Oyo State, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to remove his name from Nigeria’s wanted list and allow him to return home without hindrance.
Igboho maintained that he was not a criminal and should not be treated as one. He explained that he was declared wanted during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari over an offence he said was never clearly communicated to him. As a result, he was unable to use a Nigerian passport or access his bank accounts, despite several court rulings that were favourable to him.
In a statement released by his camp, appreciation was extended to President Bola Tinubu, Yoruba monarchs across the region, and Yoruba sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering support during his years in exile.
Sunday Igboho rose to national prominence in January 2021 after issuing a seven day eviction notice to herders in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, following the killing of a businessman, Fatai Aborode. His actions resonated with many who shared his concerns about insecurity in the region but also drew the attention of security agencies.
On July 1, 2021, operatives of the State Security Service raided his residence in Ibadan in an attempt to arrest him. The operation led to a violent confrontation during which two of his associates were killed.
Igboho later fled to the Benin Republic and was arrested at Cotonou Airport on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany. He remained in detention for nearly two years before his eventual release in March 2022.
His arrest and prolonged detention sparked protests and public outrage across parts of Nigeria, with supporters calling for his immediate release and an end to what they described as persecution.
His anticipated return is expected to generate renewed public attention and political reactions, particularly within the South West, as many await his next steps following years of absence from the country.
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