Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has returned to Nigeria after spending several years outside the country, marking a significant development in the long-running political and security narrative surrounding the Yoruba self-determination movement.
Igboho arrived in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday and proceeded directly to the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. The visit represents his first major public appearance on Nigerian soil since he left the country in 2021 following a security crackdown on his residence.
His return follows reports that his name was removed from the Federal Government’s wanted list under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, a development that appears to have cleared the way for his re-entry without immediate legal confrontation.
Confirmation and Immediate Movements
Confirming the development, Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, said the activist was en route to the Olubadan Palace shortly after arriving in Ibadan.
“As I’m speaking to you, Chief Sunday Adeyemo is on his way to the Olubadan Palace. He should be there any moment from now,” Koiki said.
He described the return as historic, stating that Igboho was no longer being sought by government authorities and was free to return home. According to him, the moment carries symbolic importance not only for Ibadan but for the wider Yoruba region.
Background to His Exile
Sunday Igboho became a prominent national figure between 2020 and 2021 following his outspoken agitation for Yoruba self-determination and his criticism of insecurity in parts of South-West Nigeria. His activities placed him at the centre of intense political debate, attracting both strong support and sharp opposition.
In July 2021, a joint security operation at his residence in Ibadan led to fatalities and arrests, after which he fled the country. Nigerian authorities later declared him wanted, accusing him of actions capable of undermining national unity. He was subsequently arrested in the Benin Republic but avoided extradition, remaining there for an extended period.
Since then, Igboho has largely stayed out of public view, communicating occasionally through aides while legal and diplomatic processes unfolded.
Political and Institutional Context
Igboho’s return comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with questions around federalism, ethnic identity, and the balance between national unity and regional autonomy. The Yoruba Nation movement, though not officially recognised by the state, has remained a reference point in broader discussions about restructuring and decentralisation.
The reported removal of his name from the government’s wanted list under the current administration suggests a shift in approach—whether strategic or reconciliatory—towards figures associated with separatist agitation. However, there has been no formal public statement from federal authorities detailing the terms or legal basis of that decision.
Key Implications
Igboho’s reappearance in Nigeria carries several implications:
- Security and Rule of Law: His return will test how the state manages previously wanted agitators within the framework of due process and national security.
- Political Signalling: The development may be interpreted by supporters as a softening of the federal stance on agitation, while critics may question its impact on deterrence.
- Yoruba Political Dynamics: His visit to the Olubadan Palace underscores the role of traditional institutions in mediating political legitimacy and community acceptance.
- National Discourse: The episode is likely to rekindle debate about self-determination movements and the boundaries of lawful political expression in Nigeria.
What Happens Next
As of now, Igboho has not issued a personal public statement outlining his intentions following his return. It remains unclear whether he plans to resume activism, pursue reconciliation, or maintain a low public profile.
Observers will be watching closely for any official response from security agencies and the federal government, as well as signals from political and traditional leaders in the South-West. How the situation evolves could influence the tone of engagement between the state and regional movements in the months ahead.
For now, Sunday Igboho’s return closes a chapter of exile while opening new questions about dialogue, dissent, and the future of Nigeria’s complex federal arrangement.
