Joy in Yorubaland as Sunday Igboho Prepares to Return Home
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – There is growing excitement across Yorubaland as Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, prepares to return to Nigeria after years abroad.
The development was announced by his spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, who said Igboho’s return has received royal endorsement from the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja (Arusa I), whom he described as Igboho’s royal father.
According to the statement, the anticipated homecoming is coming under both spiritual and traditional authority, described as being “by the power of Eledumare” and with the blessing of the Ibadan throne.
Koiki disclosed that Igboho has now been cleared to return to the country and is no longer being sought by government authorities. He attributed the breakthrough to sustained royal intervention, political goodwill, and persistent advocacy by Yoruba leaders at home and in the diaspora.
“With the support of our royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Dr. Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan,” the statement said.
Sunday Igboho rose to national and international prominence between 2020 and 2021 as a leading voice in the Yoruba self-determination movement, gaining attention for his outspoken stance against insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria and his calls for greater autonomy for the Yoruba people.
In July 2021, his residence in Ibadan was raided by security operatives, a turning point that forced him into exile after he cited threats to his life. He was later arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while attempting to travel to Europe, an incident that sparked widespread protests across Yorubaland and among Yoruba communities abroad.
Supporters consistently described him as a political activist and freedom advocate, a narrative that followed his legal battles to regional and international platforms, including the ECOWAS Court of Justice, where allegations of human rights violations were raised.
Since his departure from Nigeria, traditional rulers, activists, and members of the Yoruba diaspora have continued to campaign for his freedom and safe return. Saturday’s announcement suggests that these combined efforts, alongside traditional diplomacy, have finally yielded results.
The statement also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yoruba monarchs, and Yoruba sons and daughters worldwide for their support throughout Igboho’s years away from home.
Although no specific date has been fixed for his return, Koiki confirmed that arrangements are underway and that further details will be made public in the coming days.
“This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole,” the statement added, noting that Igboho’s return would be peaceful and dignified.