Tinubu Gave Me The Green Light To Return Home” — Igboho

According to Ireporter Online, Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu granted him approval to return to Nigeria after spending nearly five years in exile.

Igboho arrived in the country on Monday, marking his first return since he fled Nigeria in 2021 after being declared wanted by the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations bordering on the illegal possession of arms and ammunition.

It would be recalled that on July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by military personnel, stormed Igboho’s residence in Ibadan in an attempt to arrest him. The operation resulted in the death of two of his associates, while 13 others were taken into custody.

In a statement released on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Igboho attributed his return to the intervention of prominent traditional rulers and key stakeholders across the South West. He also expressed gratitude to governors in the region for their support, specifically acknowledging Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.

The activist further paid tribute to revered monarchs, including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, among others, for their roles in facilitating his return.

Igboho described President Tinubu’s action as an act of mercy and magnanimity, stating that he would not take the opportunity for granted. He pledged his readiness to work with the Federal Government in addressing insecurity and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and socioeconomic development, particularly in the South West.

He also commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as remarkable progress in Oyo State, citing visible infrastructural development and improvements across various sectors. Igboho further congratulated the governor on the state’s 50th anniversary celebration, noting that it highlighted the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for current development.

The activist concluded by appreciating the overwhelming support from Yoruba people, reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity, growth, and the protection of the collective interests of the Yoruba ethnic nationality.