By John Ikani
Despite being in detention in faraway Benin Republic, Yoruba nation agitator Sunday ‘Igboho’ Adeyemo, has been celebrated as he clocks 49 years.
He was celebrated by Professor Banji Akintoye, the leader of the umbrella body of the Yoruba self-determination group known as Ilana Omo Oodua and Gani Adams the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland.
Akintoye, in his birthday message, assured Igboho that he will soon regain his freedom.
He said, “Igboho is a prisoner of conscience; he is a man of the people. People like him are never forgotten. He has chosen to stand by his people and I have never seen someone who stands by his people and is defeated. Igboho can never be defeated.
“So, on behalf of all organisations under Ilana Omo Oodua, we wish him Happy 49th Birthday. He can be assured that his 50th birthday would be celebrated globally and we shall laugh last at the end of the journey.”
Gani Adams, on his part, urged the Benin Republic government to release the Yoruba nation agitator unconditionally.
He said: “The struggle for the liberation of our race is one struggle that cannot die, and no matter the threats or injustice meted out to each and every one of us, we remain unshaken that the struggle for a just society where life is meaningful is a dream that can only become a reality in a Yorubaland.
“I once celebrated one of my birthdays in detention and in those trying moments, I felt the urge never to look back but look up to God and that actually raised my spirit that whether now or later justice will triumph. I will be set free from the bondage of injustice. And it all came to pass.
“Unfortunately, this same experience is playing out in the case of Igboho as he turns 49 today, but I am sure that he will surely be set free because the activist is not fighting a wrong cause but a cause for the liberation of our race.”
Igboho was arrested on July 19, 2021, by Interpol at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou.
He was arrested after the Federal Government declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms to destabilise Nigeria under the pretext of Yoruba Nation.
