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Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, South-West governors and traditional rulers in Yorubaland for his freedom and return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.
Igboho, who was declared wanted during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, returned to the country on Monday. He fled Nigeria after a raid on his Ibadan residence on July 1, 2021, when operatives of the Department of State Services and military personnel attempted to arrest him. Two of his aides were killed during the operation, while 13 others were arrested.
In a statement issued on Friday, Igboho thanked President Tinubu for granting him pardon, describing the gesture as an act of mercy and statesmanship. He pledged not to take the opportunity for granted and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling insecurity and supporting peace and socioeconomic growth in the South-West.
He also commended the South-West governors, including 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, for their support. He singled out Governor Makinde for his strides in the development of Oyo State and congratulated him on the commemoration of the state’s 50th anniversary.
Igboho further acknowledged the intervention of Yoruba monarchs, giving special recognition to 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.
He concluded by appreciating the love and support from Yoruba indigenes, pledging to continue to work for the peace, unity, growth and protection of the collective interest of the Yoruba people.