'Tinubu Approved My Return To Nigeria'

‘Tinubu Approved My Return To Nigeria’ – Sunday Igboho
South West governors and traditional rulers facilitated his return.
Activist pledges cooperation on security, peace and regional development.

Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has said President Bola Tinubu approved his return to Nigeria after nearly five years in exile.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Igboho returned to the country on Monday, ending his stay abroad following his departure from Nigeria in 2021. He had fled after being declared wanted by the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition.

On July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services, alongside military personnel, raided Igboho’s residence in Ibadan in an attempt to arrest him. During the operation, two of his aides were killed, while 13 others were arrested.

In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Igboho said his return was made possible through the intervention of traditional rulers and other key stakeholders across the South West.

He also expressed appreciation to governors in the region for their support, specifically mentioning Governor 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.

Igboho further acknowledged the roles played by prominent traditional rulers, 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.

He said, “I deeply appreciate the mercy and maganimity of our revered President Tinubu, who graciously granted me freedom to return to Nigeria after intervention by stakeholders in the traditional institution.

“While I would not take this opportunity and freedom for granted, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in tackling the ravaging insecurity and support measures aimed at enhancing peace and socioeconomic growth in the country, mostly especially in the South West.

“While commending the South West governors, I want to single out Governor Seyi Makinde for his giant strides in the steady development of Oyo State. The visible impacts of his administration in virtually all the sectors and enviable infrastructural growth of this state have greatly turned around the aesthetics of Oyo to the envy of all.

“Similarly, I want to congratulate him on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Oyo State, which showcased noble roles played by statesmen and past leaders, whose significant contributions laid a stronger pedestal for the healthy developments being witnessed today.

“Besides, the love and support from all Yoruba indigenes are too massive, and I will continue to cherish everyone while also recommitting myself to the peace, unity, growth and protection of the collective interest of our ethnic nationality.”