Yoruba nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has stirred debate after appearing in a cap bearing the logo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Igboho was seen wearing the party-branded fez cap while attending the first Ramadan lecture hosted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, following his coronation. In a video that circulated online, the activist was observed greeting the monarch and the guest lecturer, Sheikh Muyideen Salmon, the Chief Imam of Offa.
The footage quickly generated mixed reactions on social media, with several users drawing comparisons between Igboho and detained separatist figure Nnamdi Kanu. Some critics questioned what they described as a shift in political alignment, arguing that an advocate of regional self-determination should not be publicly associated with the ruling party.
Others, however, defended him. Some commentators suggested that his recent interactions with political figures may be linked to efforts that facilitated his return to Nigeria after years in exile.
Igboho left the country in July 2021 following a raid on his residence in Ibadan by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army. The operation was connected to allegations of unlawful possession of arms, which he denied. After fleeing to the Benin Republic, he was arrested at Cotonou Airport and detained for over a year before regaining freedom in March 2022.
During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted, reportedly had his passport withheld, and his bank accounts frozen, despite court rulings in his favour.
His spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, recently stated that traditional rulers—including Oba Ladoja, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon—intervened with President Bola Tinubu to facilitate the removal of Igboho’s name from the wanted list.
According to Koiki, all necessary arrangements have been completed for Igboho’s return, and he may re-enter the country fully cleared at any time.
The recent appearance in APC insignia has nonetheless fueled ongoing discussions about his political stance and the future direction of the Yoruba nation movement.
