Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has returned to Nigeria following the removal of his name from the country’s wanted list.
Igboho arrived from self-exile in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and was greeted at his Soka, Ibadan residence by supporters, Muslim clerics, and well-wishers. Prayers were offered for his safe return, as well as for President Bola Tinubu and the traditional rulers who helped facilitate his freedom.
Visibly emotional, Igboho recounted the challenges he faced under the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, when he was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen despite favorable court rulings. His return marks another homecoming since fleeing Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after a combined DSS and Nigerian Army raid on his Ibadan residence over alleged stockpiling of arms and ammunition.
He had briefly returned to Nigeria in 2024 for his late mother’s burial. On this occasion, he visited the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, where he was warmly received by supporters. Oba Ladoja prayed for his success and praised his resilience.
In a speech at the palace, Igboho expressed gratitude to God, the President, and traditional leaders for their support. He said, “I’m grateful to God Almighty for this day. I’m also grateful to our President. Baba Olubadan Ladoja was instrumental to my final freedom. Since the day I was in Cotonou, he has been checking on me as a son. Baba Adebanjo also helped me. Baba Ladoja coordinated with elders in Yoruba Land and spoke with the President to secure my clearance.”
He added, “He told me to pack my load and return home. I never thought I would come back. I’m very happy, which is why I have come to pay homage to Baba Ladoja. I’m sincerely grateful to President Bola Tinubu.”
Igboho also urged Yoruba people to unite, saying, “My advice to Yoruba people is for us to come together so we can take our region to greater heights. I’m confident that President Bola Tinubu is making efforts to improve security.”