Yoruba nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders following his return to Nigeria after years in exile.
Igboho, who was declared wanted during the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition, returned to the country on Monday.
He had fled Nigeria after a July 1, 2021 raid on his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside military personnel, attempted to arrest him. During the operation, two of his aides were reportedly killed, while 13 others were arrested.
In a statement made available to journalists on Friday, Igboho expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for granting him a pardon, describing the gesture as an act of mercy and statesmanship.
“I deeply appreciate the mercy and magnanimity of our revered President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who graciously granted me the freedom to return to Nigeria after the intervention of stakeholders within the traditional institution,” he said.
Igboho added that he would not take the opportunity for granted, pledging his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing insecurity and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting peace and socioeconomic development, particularly in the South-West region.
He also thanked the governors of the South-West states for their support, naming Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State.
While commending the governors collectively, Igboho singled out Governor Makinde for praise, citing what he described as significant progress in the development of Oyo State.
According to him, the visible impact of the Makinde administration across various sectors and the state’s infrastructural growth have greatly enhanced the outlook of Oyo State, making it a model for others to emulate.
