Sunday Igboho Cleared from Wanted List After Yoruba Monarchs Secure Presidential Approval
Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been officially removed from Nigeria's list of wanted persons. This significant development follows high-level intervention by prominent Yoruba monarchs who successfully secured presidential approval from President Bola Tinubu.
Royal Intervention Paves Way for Return After Four-Year Exile
The decision clears the path for Igboho's return to Nigeria nearly four years after he fled the country following a deadly security raid on his Ibadan residence. According to his spokesman Olayomi Koiki, all arrangements for reintegration have been concluded after traditional rulers prevailed on President Tinubu to approve the clearance.
The monarchs involved in this diplomatic effort include:
- The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja
- The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi
- The Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao
- Several other prominent Yoruba traditional rulers
Background of Igboho's Exile and Legal Battles
Sunday Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after his residence in Ibadan was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army. Authorities had accused him of stockpiling arms and ammunition during his campaign against armed Fulani herdsmen in parts of South West Nigeria following attacks on local farmers.
The operation resulted in the death of three of his aides while thirteen others were arrested. Igboho escaped to Benin Republic and was later arrested at Cotonou Airport on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany. He remained in detention for over a year before his release in March 2022.
Presidential Administration Shift Brings Resolution
Under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted by security agencies. His Nigerian passport was withdrawn and his bank accounts were frozen, despite court decisions that were favorable to his case.
In 2025, Igboho publicly appealed to the Tinubu administration to review his case during a visit to the Olugbon Palace in Orile Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State. He made similar appeals to the Olubadan, expressing frustration over his prolonged exile and seeking resolution to his legal status.
Official Confirmation and Reintegration Plans
Koiki confirmed in a Sunday statement that Igboho had now received presidential clearance and could return to Nigeria at any moment. The announcement came shortly after the Olubadan visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to finalize the arrangement.
"This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole," Koiki stated. "Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities. With the support of our royal fathers, Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan."
The statement also conveyed Igboho's appreciation to President Tinubu, the intervening monarchs, and Yoruba supporters at home and abroad for standing by him throughout his period of exile and legal challenges.
Resolution of a Protracted Security and Political Matter
This development marks the resolution of a protracted security and political matter that has drawn significant attention across Nigeria's South West region. The successful intervention by traditional rulers demonstrates the continuing influence of Nigeria's monarchical institutions in mediating complex political and security issues.
The clearance represents a significant shift from Igboho's previous status, where he had explained that he remained on Nigeria's wanted list despite various legal proceedings and public appeals for resolution of his case.
