Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, otherwise known as Sunday Igboho, has been released from the detention of the Benin Republic government.
The umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, confirmed this in a press release on Monday.
Igboho was released to renowned Yoruba historian, Prof Banji Akintoye, the statement said.
Igboho had been detained in a prison facility in the Republic of Benin, after he was arrested with Ropo, his wife, at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou, while on his way to Germany in July 2021.
The Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, a Yoruba self-determination group, says Sunday Adeyemo, Yoruba Nation activist, more commonly known as Sunday Igboho, has been released from detention, and handed over to Prof Banji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation groups.
Igboho had been detained in a prison facility in the Republic of Benin, after he was arrested with Ropo, his wife, at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport, Cotonou, while on his way to Germany in July 2021.
He was remanded in a prison in Benin Republic since then where he was said to have faced trial for immigration-related offences, amongst others.
But Akintoye, who had earlier said he relocated to Benin Republic to secure Igboho’s freedom, announced on Monday that the activist has been freed.
Akintoye, in a statement by the Communications Secretary to Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Mr Maxwell Adeleye, described the release of Ighoho as a “triumph of truth over darkness in Yoruba Land.”
He was released on health grounds— Counsel Mr Yomi Alliyu, SAN, he was released to attend to health in a Beninese hospital.
Alliyu said: “Igboho has not been released, he was only released to be taken to the hospital. The last time we spoke, I told you that we are making arrangements to take care of his health. So, he was released based on health grounds.”
The 49-year-old agitator fled Nigeria for Benin Republic after the Nigerian government declared him wanted.
The Communications Secretary to Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters, said Igboho was released to Akintoye and a French Language Expert/ Deputy Alana of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Professor Wale Adeniran.
