Sunday Igboho Plans Nigeria Return as Traditional Rulers Finalise Freedom Deal
Prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, have reportedly concluded efforts to secure the release and return of Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemi, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Sources close to the development disclosed that arrangements have been finalised to facilitate Igboho’s return to Nigeria after spending about four years outside the country.
His media aide, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed the update in a statement on Sunday, saying the activist could arrive in Nigeria soon, subject to final formalities.
Koiki revealed that Igboho has been granted clearance by the Presidency and will be fully reintegrated upon his return. He described the development as a major breakthrough for supporters of the Yoruba self-determination movement.
Sunday Igboho left Nigeria in July 2021 following a security operation at his residence in Ibadan by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of illegal arms possession. The raid resulted in the death of three of his associates, while several others were arrested.
The statement also recalled that Igboho, during a visit to the Olugbon’s palace in Oyo State in 2025, expressed frustration over his prolonged stay in exile and appealed to the Federal Government to remove his name from the wanted list. Under the previous administration, he had been declared wanted, restricted from using a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen, despite court rulings in his favour.
Koiki said the activist has now been cleared of all restrictions and is no longer being pursued by security agencies. He added that Igboho expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Yoruba monarchs, and supporters across the world for standing by him throughout his ordeal.
Several royal fathers and stakeholders in the South-West were said to have played key roles in mediating the process that led to the resolution.
