Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, is 49 years old today.
Friends, relatives and supporters are singing his praise on and off social media for “bravery” and the push for the exit of Yoruba people from Nigeria.
The businessman and philanthropist remains incarcerated in Cotonou, the capital of Benin Rpublic, since his arrest in July.
Igboho’s planned travel to Europe through Cadjèhoun Airport was foiled by the Beninese Immigration officials.
The Nigerian government had alerted neighbouring countries after declaring Igboho wanted for stockpiling arms and threatening to engage the state in a war.
Igboho went underground following the invasion of his Soka residence in Ibadan, Oyo State. Security forces arrested associates and seized weapons. Two persons were killed.
A court has ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to pay N20billion for damages. Justice Ladiran Akintola of Oyo State High Court condemned the “arbitrary aggression and prejudice”.
Igboho, whose wife Ropo was freed after initial detention, is facing trial at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou in Benin.
The secessionist insists he didn’t procure a doctored Beninese passport and opposes extradition to Nigeria where the government has a pile of charges and evidence, a source told DAILY POST.
Igboho, born on October 10, 1972, hails from Igboho town in Oke Ogun community in Oyo. He became famous for his role in the Modakeke-Ife communal crisis.
The activist often recalls events in the 1997 battle and how enemies were put down. He doesn’t hide the possession of metaphysical powers inherited from his father.
Igboho, who earned the ‘Akoni Oodua’ title (Warrior of Yorubaland), gained national prominence after a 7-day ultimatum and consequent eviction of the Sarkin Fulani of Igangan, Salihu Abdulkadir and kinsmen.
The secessionist blamed Abdulkadir and herdsmen in Ibarapa for allegedly orchestrating the abduction and murder of scores of Yoruba indigenes.
Festus Ogun, a legal practitioner, criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for directing security agencies to subdue Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The human rights activist said the federal government’s action was to divert attention from its failure in securing Nigerian lives and properties.
Igboho is a Christian who believes in Ifa, the religion of the Yoruba. He has two wives and children, including footballers playing in Germany.
Daily Post
