Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has revealed that Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, stood as a guarantor for activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, ensuring his safe return to Nigeria for his mother’s burial.
The lawyer made the disclosure in a Facebook post on Sunday following a visit to Igboho, whom he described as his elder brother, former client, and a courageous voice in defence of Yoruba interests. Olajengbesi noted that the two spent time discussing politics, leadership, and Igboho’s life experiences, during which the activist expressed appreciation for his legal support during his trials.
Recalling the events of 2023 following the death of Igboho’s mother, Olajengbesi stated that the activist contacted him in deep grief, insisting that he must return home to perform her final rites. Listening to the grieving man, the lawyer immediately reached out to Governor Abiodun to request his intervention.
During their initial conversation, Abiodun enquired whether the matter had been raised with the then National Security Adviser. The governor also expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would support anyone whose actions remained within legal boundaries.
Olajengbesi subsequently facilitated a direct conversation between Igboho and Abiodun that evening, later connecting the activist with three other governors to consider the appeal. While further details remain privileged, the lawyer recalled that Abiodun agreed to vouch for Igboho’s conduct during a seven-day grace period granted for the funeral rites. Consequently, Igboho returned to Nigeria, buried his mother, and left the country immediately afterwards.
The activist, who originally fled Nigeria for the Republic of Benin in 2021, later had his broader issues resolved through lawful engagements and the intervention of several prominent Nigerians. Olajengbesi, who publicly thanked Abiodun in February 2024 for his role in the peaceful return, reflected on representing Igboho without collecting fees, describing how the activist would enthusiastically praise him over the phone from detention.
Olajengbesi said that Igboho’s place in contemporary Yoruba history regarding security, identity, and regional aspirations remains undeniable, adding that it was a pleasure to reconnect with him.