The Yoruba Nation activist, Mr Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, has attributed his release from detention in Benin Republic to the part played by some Yoruba leaders including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; Prof Banji Akintoye, Nobel laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, and others.
Igboho who declared the sovereignty of the Yoruba Nation in March 2021 was arrested by Interpol on Monday, July 19, 2021, at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, while trying to escape to Germany. On Sunday, October 8, Igboho regained his freedom.
“I am now free to return to Nigeria and visit any country in the world. I have fulfilled all the legal conditions attached to my bail a few years back, and I am coming home to Nigeria, my country of origin, any moment from now.
“I can confirm to you that I am now free to come back to Nigeria. There is no legal encumbrance again. Even though I have been living in Cotonou for some time, I can confirm to you categorically that I have now secured the liberty to leave Cotonou for Nigeria,” Igboho said in a report by Nigerian Tribune.
Confirming his release in a statement entitled ‘My Release in Benin Republic’ Igboho thanked notable Yoruba leaders for their riles to secure his release from detention in Benin Republic.
“My sincere appreciation goes to God almighty, the master of the universe for making this day. I want to say a big thank you to all Yoruba sons and daughters all over the world for their love and support before and after the loss of my dear mother, though she’s still kept at the morgue, waiting for me to come and give her the befitting burial that she deserves.
“I give special thanks to President Talon of Benin Republic and all members of his cabinet. My gratitude goes to my heroic father, Professor Banji Akintoye, and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support in the course of the struggle.
“You promised to stand by me through my ordeal in Benin Republic and you have fulfilled your promise.
“I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom. Let me use this opportunity to say thank you to all religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics, and traditional worshippers for their prayers day and night.
“Our royal fathers, Obas, and Chiefs in Yoruba land, your love and support are so appreciated. But we need more of your support to deliver our lands from slavery because Yoruba land is ours,” he said.
He also expressed his longing to return to Nigeria having “fulfilled all the legal conditions attached to my bail a few years back. I am coming home to Nigeria, my country of origin, any moment from now.
“I can confirm to you that I am now free to come back to Nigeria. There is no legal encumbrance again. Even though I have been living in Cotonou for some time, I can confirm to you categorically that I have now secured the liberty to leave Cotonou for Nigeria,” he added.
