By Ghazali Ibrahim
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, is reportedly set to return fully to Nigeria after years of self-exile abroad, a development welcomed by traditional rulers and supporters across the South West.
Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed that efforts by royal fathers, particularly the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, played a key role in securing clearance for his return from abroad.
Over the years, Sunday igboho, a protege of Olubadan Ladoja has been seen with the monarch at several occasions, suggesting their long term relationship initiate his prompt call for return from exile after the monarch is reported to have met with president Tinubu some days ago.
In 2025, Igboho publicly expressed frustration at living in exile and appealed to the Federal Government to remove his name from the “wanted” list, insisting he was not a criminal and should be treated as a free citizen.
At the time, he said the security listing had restricted his ability to use his Nigerian passport and access his bank accounts despite court judgments in his favour.
Igboho rose to national prominence in early 2021 after issuing a controversial seven-day ultimatum to Fulani herders in Ibarapa North, Oyo State, demanding they vacate the area following attacks and killings of local residents. This action thrust him into the spotlight as a key figure in the Yoruba self-determination movement.
His residence in Ibadan was later raided by security forces, and he fled Nigeria to avoid arrest, eventually spending years abroad while legal and political debates around his status continued.
Though no exact date has yet been announced for his return, Koiki said arrangements are underway and that more details will be shared in the coming days. Supporters welcomed the news as a moment of joy for Ibadanland and Yorubaland, with many leaders expressing hope that Igboho’s return will offer opportunities for reconciliation and renewed activism within Nigeria.
As Igboho prepares to return, observers note that his re-entry into national discourse could reignite conversations about security, self-determination and the role of political activists in the country’s evolving political landscape.
Previous attempts at return have come after legal clearances and intervention by community figures, highlighting a complex interplay between activism, law, and traditional influence in Nigeria.
