The government of the Republic of Benin has finally released the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Ighoho.
His lawyer, Yomi Aliyyu (SAN), however clarified that the activist was released to attend to his health in a Beninese hospital.
Aliyyu said: “The last time we spoke, I told you that we were making arrangements to take him to the hospital over his ill health. So, he was released based on health grounds.
“I am to inform you that Chief Sunday Adeyemo has been released from prison to his medical practitioners under the agreement that he should not leave the medical centre or Cotonou for any reason.
“Praises should be given to two prominent Yoruba personalities to wit Professor Wole Soyinka and Professor Akintoye for this turnaround in our client’s matter.”
But the Communications Secretary to Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, in a statement on Monday, described Ighoho’s release as a triumph of truth over darkness in Yoruba land.
Adeleye said Sunday Igboho was released to the leader of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Prof. Banji Akintoye, and his deputy, Prof. Wale Adeniran.
The statement read: “Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, fondly called Sunday Ighoho, has been released by the Government of Republic of Benin.
“The Activist was released on Monday to a Yoruba leader and Leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba Self-determination Groups, Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Banji Akintoye, and a French Language Expert/ Deputy Ilana of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Wale Adeniran.
Sunday Igboho was arrested alongside his wife on July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic, while attempting to flee to Germany.
His wife Ropo was released earlier while the activist was returned to the custody of Brigade Criminelle in Cotonou.
Later, the Beninese court ordered Igboho remanded in a prison facility while further investigations were carried out on the case against the agitator.
The Yoruba secessionist leader has since been facing allegations bordering on trafficking in arms, inciting violence, and causing disunity in Nigeria.
Also on Monday, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the influential Yoruba organisation and indeed the entire Yoruba people are delighted that Igboho has been released.
The Afenifere spokesman described it as a “victory indicator for all those who believe in personal liberty and the right of a given people to self-determination.”
Ajayi commended Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof Tunde Adeniran, Ilana Omo Oodua, Yoruba Obas in Nigeria and in the Benin Republic for their efforts in securing Igboho’s release.