The Pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has described the release of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, from detention in Benin Republic as personal liberty and victory for those who believe in personal liberty and right of the people to self-determination.
The National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Jare Ajayi, said this when contacted for his reaction to the development on Monday.
He said, “Afenifere and indeed Yoruba people as a whole are very happy that the Yoruba Nation agitator has been released.
“Sunday Igboho’s release is not just for him and the Yoruba people. It is a victory indicator for all those who believe in personal liberty and the right of a given people to self-determination.
“Afenifere commends Prof Banji Akintoye, Prof Wale Adeniran, Ilana Omo Oodua, and Yoruba Obas in Nigeria and in Benin Republic for their efforts in seeing that Igboho is set free.”
The group also commended the team of lawyers handling his cases in Nigeria and in Benin.
However, Igboho will not leave Cotonou, Benin Republic, despite his release from detention in the country.
His counsel, Yomi Aliyyu (SAN), said this in a message sent to one of our correspondents on Monday.
Aliyyu said Igboho was released to his medical doctors with the agreement that he would not leave Cotonou for any reason.
He said, “I am to inform you that Chief Sunday Adeyemo, aka Igboho Oosa, has been released from prison to his medical practitioners under the agreement that he should not leave the medical centre or Cotonou for any reason.
“Praises should be given to two prominent Yoruba personalities to wit; Prof Wale Adeniran and Prof (Banji) Akintoye, for this turnaround in our client’s matter.”
“In a statement by the Communications Secretary of Ilana Omo Oodua Worldwide, Mr Maxwell Adeleye, Akintoye described the release of Ighoho as a triumph of truth over darkness in Yorubaland.”
Adeleye, however, said Igboho would remain in Cotonou till further notice.
When asked if Igboho would continue his trip to Germany, Adeleye stated, “He (Igboho) is remaining in Cotonou. He was freed on medical grounds as no case was preferred against him. Asides, he had been detained for more than six months, which is contrary to the law.”