IBADAN — Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, is set to return to Nigeria from self-exile following high-level interventions by prominent Yoruba monarchs.

The PUNCH gathers that the path to his return was cleared through the diplomatic efforts of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

Confirming the development, Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, stated that the activist has been cleared by government authorities and is no longer on the wanted list.

Koiki disclosed that arrangements are currently being concluded for Igboho’s return, though a specific date is yet to be announced.

“This is a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland as a whole. Chief Adeyemo is now cleared to return to Nigeria and is no longer being sought by government authorities,” Koiki stated.

He added, “With the support of our royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Sunday Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan.”

The breakthrough follows a series of appeals made by the activist. In 2025, during a visit to the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, Igboho had expressed fatigue over his continued exile.

He had pleaded with the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to remove his name from the government’s watchlist, unfreeze his bank accounts, and restore his access to a Nigerian passport, insisting he was “not a criminal.”

In his statement, Koiki expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu, Yoruba monarchs, and stakeholders for their support during Igboho’s years away.

Igboho shot to national prominence in January 2021 after issuing a seven-day ultimatum to Fulani herders in Igangan, Oyo State, following the killing of Dr. Fatai Aborode.

The situation escalated on July 1, 2021, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) raided his Soka residence in Ibadan. The violent confrontation left two of his associates dead and led to a manhunt for the activist.

Igboho fled to the Benin Republic, attempting to catch a flight to Germany, but was arrested on July 19, 2021, at the Cotonou airport. He was detained in a Beninese prison for nearly two years before regaining his freedom in March 2022.