Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has been removed from the federal government’s list of wanted persons following the intervention of prominent South-West traditional rulers, his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, has said.
Koiki disclosed that all arrangements have now been concluded for Igboho’s return to Nigeria after respected monarchs appealed to President Bola Tinubu on his behalf.
The traditional rulers involved include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, among others.
Igboho went into exile on July 1, 2021, after a joint operation by the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Ibadan over allegations of illegal possession of arms.
The operation followed his agitation against alleged attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen on farmers in the South-West.
Three of his aides were killed during the raid, while 13 others were arrested.
He later fled to Benin Republic but was arrested at the Cotonou Airport on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany.
Igboho was detained for over a year before his release in March 2022.
Under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted, denied access to a Nigerian passport, and had his bank accounts frozen, despite court rulings in his favour.
In 2025, during a visit to the palace of the Olugbon of Orile Igbon in Oyo State, Igboho publicly lamented his prolonged stay in exile and appealed to President Tinubu to clear his name.
He also made similar appeals to the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Koiki said in a statement on Sunday that the Presidency has now granted Igboho full clearance, paving the way for his return and reintegration into the country.
“Chief Sunday Adeyemo has been cleared by the appropriate authorities and may return to Nigeria at any moment,” he said.
“He is no longer being sought by government agencies.”
The development followed a recent visit by the Olubadan to President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Describing the decision as a major relief, Koiki said the clearance marked a moment of celebration for Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland.
“With the support of our royal fathers and the understanding of Mr President, Chief Adeyemo is now free to return home. He is a free man and will soon be back in Ibadan,” he added.
The statement also conveyed Igboho’s appreciation to President Tinubu, the South-West monarchs, and Yoruba communities at home and abroad for standing by him throughout his years in exile.
