Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, joyfully declared on Sunday that he has been granted legal freedom to depart from Cotonou, Benin Republic, concluding an almost two-year chapter of legal complexities in the French-speaking African nation.
In an exclusive conversation with the Nigerian Tribune, Igboho asserted, “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.”
The Yoruba activist expressed heartfelt appreciation for the unwavering support he received from prominent Yoruba indigenes, politicians, media, academia, and Yoruba monarchs during his sojourn in Cotonou.
Igboho specifically acknowledged the pivotal roles played by the President of Benin Republic, Patrice Talon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, literary giant Professor Wole Soyinka, Professor Banji Akintoye, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Dele Momodu, Yorubas in diaspora, and Yoruba traditional rulers.
In an official statement titled “My Release in Benin Republic,” Igboho expressed profound gratitude, stating, “First of all, my sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day.”
He extended his thanks to the global Yoruba community for their love and support, especially during the challenging period following the loss of his mother. He also acknowledged the crucial role played by President Talon and his cabinet, as well as the steadfast support of Professor Banji Akintoye and Professor Wole Soyinka.
Furthermore, Igboho did not overlook the contributions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Baba Ayo Adebanjo, acknowledging that while only God grants freedom, their support was significant.
He expressed gratitude to religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics, traditional worshippers, royal fathers, Obas, Chiefs in Yoruba land, and various individuals who rallied behind him with prayers and unwavering support.
While Igboho refrained from disclosing his imminent return date to Nigeria, he used the occasion to call for continued unity among Yoruba leaders and sought additional support for the liberation of Yoruba land. He specifically appreciated the support from the East and urged collaboration among political classes and Obas in Yoruba land to collectively contribute to the greatness of the Yoruba people.
Recalling his arrest on July 20, 2021, at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou while attempting to travel to Germany, Igboho emphasized that he had fulfilled the legal conditions of his bail and was now at liberty to leave Benin Republic for Nigeria.
The statement closes with Igboho extending his appreciation to various organizations, including Megarally USA and Ilana Omo Oodua, Canada, emphasizing the significance of collaboration for the advancement of the Yoruba cause.
