After spending two years in detention in Benin Republic, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, expressed his gratitude to Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere leader Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Professor Banji Akintoye, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, and others for their relentless efforts in securing his release from Benin Republic.
Igboho was arrested on July 19, 2021, at Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, by Interpol while en route to Germany.
His departure from Nigeria came after a raid on his Soka residence in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, by the Department of State Services, which had accused him of stockpiling weapons.
In a statement he shared on his Instagram handle, Igboho confirmed his release and extended his gratitude to Yoruba leaders and traditional rulers for their roles in securing his freedom.
He stated, “My sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.”
Igboho also expressed his gratitude to President Talon of Benin Republic and members of his cabinet, as well as Professor Banji Akintoye and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support during his ordeal.
He continued, “I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom.”
Igboho thanked religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics, and traditional worshippers for their prayers and acknowledged the support of royal fathers, Obas, and Chiefs in Yoruba land.
Hinting at his return to Nigeria, Igboho stated, “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.”
Confirming Igboho’s release, one of his lawyers, Yomi Aliyu, SAN, stated, “I can confirm that he has left Benin Republic.”
