Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, professor Banji Akintoye, Ayo Adebanjo, and other traditional leaders were all instrumental in getting Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, released from Beninese custody.

Igboho expressed his gratitude in a statement titled “My Release in Benin Republic” that he read on Sunday via his Instagram account.

Part of Igboho’s message stated, “First of all, I would want to express my profound gratitude to God Almighty, the creator of the universe, for making today.

“I give special thanks to President Talon of Benin Republic and to all members of his cabinet. My gratitude goes to my heroic father, Professor Banji Akintoye, and Professor Wole Soyinka for their support in the course of the struggle. May God reward you Baba for your standing courageously for our Yoruba nation and me. You promised to stand by me through my ordeal in Benin Republic and you have fulfilled your promise.

“I will not forget to appreciate former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Baba Ayo Adebanjo for their roles, even though only God gives freedom. Let me use this opportunity to say thank you to all religious leaders, pastors, Muslim clerics and traditional worshippers for their prayers day and night.”

The International Criminal Police Organization detained Sunday Igboho on July 19, 2021, when he was en route to Germany at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

The activist had left Nigeria after a Department of State Service (DSS) raid on his Soka home in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, during which they claimed he was stockpiling weapons.