Update: Obasanjo, Yoruba Monarchs In Benin Demand Asylum For Igboho

• Igboho was arrested with his wife, Ropo but the Cour De’appal De Cotonou ordered release of the Germany-based wife of the activist, saying there were no allegations against her.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some Yoruba-speaking monarchs in Benin Republic have been reported to be mounting pressure on President Patrice Talon and other top government officials to grant asylum to Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho.

ItIgboho was said to have been in detention since July 19, 2021 when he was arrested by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou.

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Igboho was arrested with his wife, Ropo but the Cour De’appal De Cotonou ordered release of the Germany-based wife of the activist, saying there were no allegations against her.

As part of efforts to rescue the embattled agitator, Obasanjo, according to TheCable, was in Benin Republic in the first week of August, 2021.

He was said to have travelled to Benin Republic to condole with Nicephore Soglo who recently lost his wife – Roseline Soglo.

It was gathered the former Beninise president and Obasanjo have maintained a long-standing relationship over the years.

TheCable’s source said “He also met with Patrice Talon. The purpose of the meeting was to seek soft-landing for Sunday Igboho.

“He’s asking the Beninise authorities to grant the separatist leader asylum, and not to return him to Nigeria.”

Also, some Yoruba-speaking monarchs in Benin Republic have mounted pressure on the government to grant asylum to Igboho

The Nation reported that the monarchs have submitted the letter to Talon and some other top government officials including the Minister of Interior and the Senate President.

The letter seen by The Nation was signed by the Alajuwon of Ajuwon land, who is the President of the Council of Obas, alongside the Onikoyi Abesan-an, Alajase of Ajase land, Onimase of Imase land, Oniohorige of Ohori, Onnilaase of Ilase land, Onikrake of Kraka land from Seme town.

Spokesperson for Ilana Egbe Omo Odua, confirmed the strategic interventions by the monarchs.

He said: “Yes, the monarchs have been very helpful. We are hopeful that Igboho will be granted asylum this week.”