Professor Banji Akintoye, the leader of Ilana Omo Oodua, has made it clear that President Bola Tinubu played no part in the release of the Yoruba nation advocate, Sunday Adeyemi, popularly known as Igboho, from custody in Benin Republic.
Akintoye’s statement comes in response to Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s suggestion that Igboho’s release should set a precedent for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Biafra agitator.
Ohanaeze had urged Tinubu to intervene and have all charges against Kanu dropped following Igboho’s release.
In his statement, titled “President Tinubu had no hands in Sunday Igboho’s freedom” and signed by his spokesperson, Mr. Gani Alagbala, Akintoye expressed his gratitude to God and the Benin Republic government for ensuring Igboho received justice.
He stated, “This is essential to dispel any misconceptions that President Bola Tinubu facilitated Chief Sunday Adeyemo’s freedom in Cotonou last Sunday.
“While we hold no reservations towards our Igbo brothers and their efforts to secure the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, we must clarify the record. The Nigerian authorities and the administration under the leadership of Bola Tinubu had no involvement in securing the release and complete freedom of our frontline figure, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho.
“The credit for this achievement goes to the Almighty God, as well as the unwavering dedication of our Yoruba nation movement’s leadership, along with the support of well-wishers from within our country and abroad. The journey was arduous and challenging, but we are grateful to God for the success we have finally achieved in securing Sunday’s freedom.
“We categorically deny any role played by politicians or Nigerian government officials in these processes, as there simply was none. We extend our appreciation to the government of the Republic of Benin for upholding justice despite political pressures.
“We hope for the swift release of our Igbo brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, from his incarceration in Nigeria.”
