Yoruba activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, became emotional on Monday as he shared details of his time in detention in the Republic of Benin.
Igboho spoke during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at the monarch’s residence in Bodija, where he expressed deep appreciation for the traditional ruler’s intervention and support during his legal ordeal.
He recalled that he was initially treated as a dangerous criminal and confined with hardened inmates in a prison facility in Cotonou. According to him, the situation changed after Oba Ladoja stepped in, leading to his relocation to a more humane environment and eventually paving the way for his release.
Igboho said the monarch’s involvement restored his hope and gave him the confidence that he would regain his freedom. He added that Oba Ladoja later informed him that discussions had been held with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding his case, and that he had been cleared to return to Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, Oba Ladoja, and other Yoruba leaders both within Nigeria and in the diaspora for their efforts. Igboho maintained that he was forced into exile without committing any crime and thanked the President for what he described as a compassionate decision.
Calling for unity among the Yoruba people, he urged them to work together for the future of coming generations. He also said he was relieved to reunite with his family after years of separation.
In response, Oba Ladoja prayed for Igboho and assured him that his past challenges would ultimately turn into honour and restoration.
