Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been released from detention in Benin Republic after two years of legal proceedings, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement shared on his Instagram handle titled ‘My Release in Benin Republic’, Igboho expressed his gratitude to various individuals and groups who played instrumental roles in securing his release.
He particularly praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, Professor Banji Akintoye, Ayo Adebanjo, and several traditional rulers for their unwavering support.
Sunday Igboho had been arrested on Monday, July 19, 2021, at Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) while attempting to travel to Germany.
This arrest came after he had fled Nigeria following a raid on his residence in Soka, Ibadan, Oyo State, by the Department of State Services (DSS).
The DSS had accused him of stockpiling arms.
In his statement, Igboho expressed his appreciation to God for his release and acknowledged the support and prayers from Yoruba people worldwide.
He also extended his gratitude to President Talon of Benin Republic and members of his cabinet, as well as to his father, Professor Banji Akintoye, and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support during his ordeal.
He said, “I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom.”
He also thanked religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics, and traditional worshippers for their prayers and support.
Sunday Igboho expressed his admiration and gratitude to the royal fathers, Obas, and Chiefs in Yoruba land, emphasising the need for their continued support in the quest for the Yoruba nation’s freedom.
He also thanked various individuals and groups who had supported his cause both within and outside Nigeria.
Igboho’s pursuit of the Yoruba Nation’s sovereignty and his campaign against killer herdsmen and kidnappers in the South-West stirred controversy and led to his clash with the Nigerian authorities.
He fled Nigeria following a DSS raid on his residence in Ibadan, which resulted in violence and allegations of arms stockpiling.
However, in August 2022, the Court of Appeal set aside a judgment that had linked him to the arms recovery, providing some legal relief.
He was later arrested at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou while attempting to travel to Germany.
Efforts by the Nigerian government to extradite him were unsuccessful, and his detention in Benin Republic had been a subject of legal battles and international attention.
