The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Monday received Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, following Igboho’s return to Nigeria after years in exile.
Oba Ladoja expressed gratitude to God for Igboho’s safe return, shortly after reports emerged that his name had been removed from the Federal Government’s wanted list.
Igboho paid the visit to thank the monarch for his intervention, which reportedly played a key role in facilitating his clearance and return to the country.
Earlier, Igboho’s spokesman, Koiti Olayomi, disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for his return after prominent traditional rulers appealed to President Bola Tinubu on his behalf. Those said to have intervened include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others.
Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after a joint operation by the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Ibadan over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. The raid occurred amid his campaign against armed Fulani herdsmen in the South-West following reported attacks on farmers.
During the operation, three of Igboho’s aides were killed, while 13 others were arrested. He later escaped to the Benin Republic but was arrested at the Cotonou Airport on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany. He was detained for over a year before being released in March 2022.
In a statement on Sunday, Olayomi said Igboho had been cleared by the Presidency and was free to return to Nigeria, adding that he would be fully reintegrated following the clearance.
Accompanied by scores of supporters, Igboho thanked the Olubadan for standing by him during what he described as a difficult period.
“I thank God for knowing Kabiyesi. I am grateful that he stood by me and helped me during this challenge,” Igboho said, noting that his return marked the end of a painful chapter in his life.
Responding, Oba Ladoja urged Igboho to remain hopeful and conduct himself with wisdom and restraint in the interest of peace.
“Where there is life, there is hope. We thank God that you have arrived safely,” the monarch said, offering prayers for Igboho and his family.
