Sunday Igboho Regains Full Freedom in Nigeria: Monumental Shift After Years of Exile and Legal Limbo
In a dramatic and historic turn of events, prominent Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has officially regained his freedom in Nigeria. His name has been removed from the Federal Government’s (FG) list of wanted persons, effectively liberating him from legal restrictions that once barred him from freely living, traveling, or functioning as a Nigerian citizen without the stigma of a criminal designation.
This development marks a major breakthrough not only for Igboho himself but for many Nigerians who have closely followed his case over the past several years — a saga that involved political controversy, national security issues, exile, and intense public debate. That such a high-profile figure is now cleared to return home without restriction is significant in Nigeria’s current socio‑political landscape.
A New Chapter: Removal from the Wanted List
For years, Sunday Igboho’s name remained on Nigeria’s list of wanted persons — a status that prevented him from entering the country, using his Nigerian passport, or accessing his own bank accounts. This designation originated during the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari, under allegations related to stockpiling arms and ammunition.
Following a series of diplomatic and legal challenges, court decisions in his favor, and prolonged public appeals, the activist finally saw a decisive shift in his legal standing under President Bola Tinubu’s government. Evidence from multiple reliable Nigerian news outlets confirms that the President approved the removal of Igboho’s name from the list of wanted persons after sustained advocacy and intervention by key Yoruba traditional rulers.
This decision not only clears Igboho’s name but opens the door for his reintegration into Nigerian society without the fear of arrest, travel restrictions, or legal pursuit by state security agencies.
The Crucial Role of Traditional Rulers
One of the defining features of this remarkable turnaround is the strategic role played by respected Yoruba monarchs and custodians of tradition across the South‑West region.
Among the most influential figures in the reconciliation effort were:
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland
Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife
Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile‑Igbon
…and other traditional leaders who engaged in dialogue with both clan members and federal authorities.
According to reports, Oba Ladoja took the lead in engaging President Tinubu in meaningful dialogue that culminated in official presidential approval for Igboho’s clearance. These discussions were rooted not in political brinkmanship but in constructive engagement, emphasizing peace, unity, and the rule of law — core values that traditional institutions in Nigeria often champion.
Igboho himself publicly acknowledged the monarchs’ intervention and pastoral guidance, describing his relationship with Oba Ladoja as deeply significant. In a visit to the Olubadan’s palace, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the monarch’s support during his long ordeal.
A Long‑Standing Relationship with Oba Ladoja
Igboho’s connection with Oba Ladoja goes beyond recent political developments. He first rose to national prominence as a loyal security figure in Ladoja’s government when the former served as the Governor of Oyo State. During that period, Ladoja faced intense pressure and attempts at political destabilization, including threats from powerful political interests. Igboho stood firmly by his side, defending the governor and resisting efforts to sway him into the opposition.
This longstanding relationship — built on mutual trust, loyalty, and shared struggles — helped position Oba Ladoja as a key advocate for Igboho’s legal and social redemption decades later. The gratitude Igboho showed during his official thanksgiving visit was a testament to this profound connection.
Context: What Led to Exile and Wanted Status
To understand the gravity of this development, it’s critical to revisit the circumstances that initially thrust Igboho into conflict with the Nigerian state.
On July 1, 2021, the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by military units, conducted a highly controversial raid on Igboho’s residence in Soka, Ibadan. The operation was reportedly based on intelligence alleging the accumulation of illegal arms. The confrontation led to the deaths of several aides, the arrest of others, and Igboho’s narrow escape from capture.
Following this incident, he fled Nigeria and later spent time in self‑imposed exile in the Benin Republic. His subsequent arrest at Cotonou Airport while attempting to travel to Germany launched a prolonged legal battle. Despite facing security proclamations and diplomatic hurdles, Igboho continued to contest the legitimacy of such actions against him.
Why This Matters: Political and Social Implications
The removal of Sunday Igboho from Nigeria’s wanted list carries weighty political and social implications:
1. Reintegration and National Healing
His return and removal from the wanted list can serve as a catalyst for national unity, signaling that even contentious figures can find resolution within the system through legal processes and dialogue rather than force.
2. Reinforcing the Role of Traditional Institutions
The pivotal role played by Yoruba monarchs stresses the enduring influence of cultural and traditional institutions in modern Nigerian governance. Beyond ceremonial relevance, their mediation proved instrumental in smoothing tensions and fostering reconciliation.
3. A Message for Civil Liberties and Activism
For activists and civil rights advocates, this episode underscores the potential power of lawful advocacy, public engagement, and peaceful negotiation — an important message in a democratic society where dissent and activism often collide with state power.
The Road Ahead: Expectations and Responsibilities
As Igboho returns to Nigeria without legal restrictions, many Nigerians — particularly in the South‑West and Yoruba communities globally — see this as a moment of hope and renewal. His supporters have celebrated the decision as a vindication of his struggle, viewing it as recognition that he was not a criminal but a voice for justice and security in his homeland.
However, this freedom also comes with responsibilities:
Promoting Peace: Igboho has been encouraged to use his influence responsibly and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.
Supporting Unity: Traditional leaders have counseled him to be a unifying force rather than a polarizing figure.
Constructive Engagement: There are expectations that he will work through legal and civic structures to address insecurity and social concerns rather than through confrontation.
Conclusion: A Historic Turn for Sunday Igboho and Nigeria
The official removal of Sunday Igboho’s name from Nigeria’s wanted list symbolizes more than the liberation of an individual — it reflects the possibility of reconciliation in a democratic society, the enduring influence of traditional leadership, and the power of sustained advocacy.
By choosing dialogue, engagement, and mutual respect, Nigerian political leadership and traditional stakeholders have opened a pathway for peaceful reintegration — one that many hope will serve as a model for resolving other high‑profile disputes in the nation’s future.
This momentous development not only reshapes Igboho’s legacy but also adds a new chapter to Nigeria’s ongoing journey towards unity, justice, and inclusive national identity.
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