A socio-political group, the Movement for the Removal of Sunday Igboho’s Name from the List of Wanted Criminals (MRSIOWC), has commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their roles in securing the removal of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, from the Federal Government’s list of wanted persons.
In a letter of appreciation addressed to the Olubadan, the group expressed gratitude for what it described as the monarch’s “behind-the-scenes diplomacy” and moral leadership, which it said contributed to the resolution of the long-running controversy surrounding Igboho.
Signed by Olatunde Amusat (Homeland) and Kayode Emola (Diaspora), the letter praised the monarch for using his influence and networks to address what the group called injustice against the activist.
The group recalled that Igboho’s ordeal began in 2021, following his intervention in Igangan, Ibarapa area of Oyo State, where residents had complained of persistent attacks, kidnappings, and killings allegedly carried out by armed herders. According to the statement, Igboho, accompanied by security personnel, peacefully engaged community leaders and urged the suspected perpetrators to leave the area.
It claimed that his action led to the departure of the group and was widely celebrated in the region, earning him popular support.
However, the group alleged that following the incident, federal authorities moved against Igboho, culminating in a raid on his Ibadan residence in July 2021 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The raid reportedly resulted in the death of two persons and extensive property damage.
Subsequently, Igboho was declared wanted and his bank accounts frozen. The group also said his name was forwarded to Interpol, leading to his arrest in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in July 2021.
He was detained in Benin Republic for over two years while legal processes continued. In September 2023, he was released following court rulings, while the ECOWAS Court of Justice later held that his prolonged detention violated his human rights and awarded damages against Benin Republic.
The group noted that despite these developments, Igboho’s business accounts remained frozen, thereby affecting his livelihood.
While appreciating President Tinubu for approving the removal of Igboho’s name from the wanted list, the group appealed to the Olubadan to further intervene to facilitate the unfreezing of his bank accounts.
It described the President’s action as “magnanimous and statesmanlike,” adding that it reflected a commitment to justice and reconciliation.
The group also lauded the Olubadan’s leadership, describing him as a “philosopher king” who has continued to stand against oppression and injustice.
It expressed optimism that with continued engagement by traditional institutions and the federal authorities, outstanding issues surrounding Igboho’s case would be fully resolved in the interest of peace, unity, and social stability in the South-West and the country at large.
