Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has urged monarchs, elders and stakeholders in Yorubaland to meet with President Mohammadu Buhari to negotiate for the release of the Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho,
Igboho is being detained in neghbouring Benin Republic, where he has spent over four months. He is being held over immigration related offences.
He was arrested in July at an airport in the neighbouring Benin Republic, after being declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria.
He has since been incarcerated by the Beninese authorities despite moves by some prominent Yoruba figures to facilitate his freedom.
The royal father, who in a statement signed by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, on Sunday said Igboho’s release would strengthen the unity of the country. He appealed to Yoruba monarchs to harmonize their interest towards the release of the agitator.
He also urged the federal government to effectively relate with Benin Republic on bilateral grounds and ensure Igboho is safely returned to Nigeria without further delay. He said such action will encourage more patriots from Yorubaland.
He premised his argument on oneness of Nigeria as it could be further cemented on the release of Igboho and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the statement: “The controversies surrounding the continuous detention of Sunday Igboho can be addressed should the Yoruba monarchs, elders and stakeholders be ready to take a walk to President Muhammed Buhari. Sunday Igboho is our son, he has made some mistakes which are realizable on the agitation for Yoruba nation.
“The approach is jeopardizing the intention. I urge stakeholders in Yoruba affairs to harmonize their interests, come together and approach the country’s leaders for the release of embattled Igboho.
“Granting such request will entrench the unity of Nigeria and foster a harmonious understanding. Only the federal government has the exclusive charisma to liberate the face of Yoruba nation agitator at this critical time. Our son must be rescued. Releasing Igboho without recourse to legal lingering litigation will earn the government credit. It is a credit of maturity and unity.”
