Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has stirred widespread reactions on social media after he was seen wearing a cap bearing the logo of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at a public event.
Newsonspot reports that Igboho was spotted at the first Ramadan lecture organised by the Rasheed Ladoja after his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadanland. During the event, the activist greeted the monarch and the guest lecturer, the Chief Imam of Offa, Muyideen Salmon, while wearing the APC-branded fez cap.
A video from the gathering quickly went viral online, triggering debate among Nigerians, with many users comparing Igboho’s actions with that of detained Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Several social media users criticised the Yoruba nation activist, questioning the consistency of his separatist stance while appearing in the attire of the ruling political party.
One user, identified as Jaythrilli, argued that Igboho could not claim to be fighting for Yoruba liberation while associating with politicians he accused of contributing to the hardship faced by the same people.
Another commenter, Felixherbt, praised Nnamdi Kanu for allegedly rejecting political offers in the past, claiming that the IPOB leader had remained firm in his struggle despite ongoing detention.
Other online users also weighed in, suggesting that Igboho’s recent actions might be connected to efforts aimed at facilitating his return to Nigeria after years in exile.
Reacting to the criticism, a social media user known as Daddyfemzy defended Igboho, noting that the activist had previously been declared wanted under the administration of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari. The user argued that Igboho’s situation could make political reconciliation a practical step toward regaining his freedom and returning home.
Meanwhile, Olayomi Koiki, spokesman for the Yoruba nation activist, recently disclosed that arrangements had been concluded for Igboho’s return to Nigeria after interventions by prominent traditional rulers.
According to Koiki, the monarchs who persuaded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Igboho’s name from the wanted list include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Francis Alao, among others.
Igboho fled Nigeria on July 1, 2021, after a joint operation by the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army raided his residence in Ibadan over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. The operation occurred during his campaign to expel armed Fulani herdsmen from parts of the South-West following attacks on farmers.
During the raid, three of his aides were reportedly killed while 13 others were arrested. Igboho subsequently fled the country but was arrested at Cotonou Airport in the Benin Republic on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany. He spent more than a year in detention before being released in March 2022.
Under the previous administration, Igboho was declared wanted, denied a Nigerian passport and had his bank accounts frozen despite court rulings in his favour.
In 2025, while visiting the Olugbon Palace in Orile Igbon, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, Igboho expressed frustration over his continued stay abroad and appealed to the government to remove his name from the wanted list.
Koiki later stated that the activist has now been cleared by the Presidency and could return to Nigeria at any moment, adding that he would be fully reintegrated following the clearance.
