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Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo (born 10 October 1972), also known as Sunday Igboho, is a Nigerian self-determination activist, businessman, and philanthropist.

Igboho strongly advocates Yoruba nationalism and an independent Yoruba nation. He shot into the national spotlight in 2021 after he issued a seven-day eviction ultimatum to Fulani herdsmen in Igangan.

Sunday Igboho
Sunday Igboho biography
Akoni Oodua of Yorubaland.
Personal Details
Name:Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo
Born:10 October 1972 (age 54 years old)
Place of birth:Igboho, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State
State of origin:Oyo State
Nationality:Nigerian
Education:Community Primary School, Modeke
Occupation:Activist, businessman, and philanthropist.

Early Life

Adeyemo was born on 10 October 1972, in Igboho, Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria. He grew up in Modakeke, Osun State, after relocating there with his father.

Education

Igboho attended Community Primary School, Modeke. He received an honorary doctorate degree specialising in war/conflict and peace studies, peace and security management, and international relations from Triune Biblical University based in Brooklyn.

Yoruba Advocacy

Igboho learned how to repair motorcycles, locally known as Okada. He became one of the best mechanics in his community. In 1997, the intra-communal crisis between Ile-Ife and Modakeke started and eventually affected his work, and he joined the crisis as a grassroots defender.

He began by delivering bullets to fighters during the conflict, and later he stepped up to carry a gun. He led a squad representing Modakeke relentlessly during the crisis.

After the crisis ended in 2000, he joined the Modakeke branch of the National Road Transport Workers (NURTW). He served under the leadership of “Double,” collecting revenue and dues from transporters at motor parks.

He and his colleagues also seized the opportunity of the crisis between NURTW members and motorcycle riders to reportedly commit robberies. He fled from the town to Ibadan after some youths attempted to kill him after accusing him of terrorising the community.

Igboho joined the NURTW in Ibadan and later met former governor Lam Adesina. He later built a close relationship with former governor Rashidi Ladoja, and served as his political aide and bodyguard. He was involved in the combative politics between the late political leader, Lamidi Adedibu, and Mr Ladoja.

In 2009, then-Action Congress (AC) leader Bola Tinubu invited him to seek his support against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In 2021, Igboho drew the attention of many Nigerians after he gave herdsmen a seven-day ultimatum to leave Ibarapa, Oyo State. He accused the Fulani herders of being responsible for the killings, rape and kidnappings of the residents of Oke-Ogun.

Igboho led some Yoruba youth to a clash with Fulani in the community, destroying millions in property. He advocates for the rights of the Yoruba ethnic group and campaigns for an independent Oduduwa Republic.

In 2021, the Department of State Services (DSS) stormed his Ibadan residence. He fled to Benin Republic, where he was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo Adeyemo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and detained at the request of the Nigerian government.

Igboho was released in 2022 and reunited with his family in Germany. In February 2023, he filed an application before the ECOWAS Court of Justice challenging his arrest and detention. The court ordered the government of Benin to pay him 20 million CFA for “unlawful detention”.

After years in exile, he returned to Nigeria after the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, officially removed his name from its wanted list.

In 2024, Igboho delivered a petition to the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on behalf of Professor Banji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation Movement.

Igboho launched the Ogun State chapter of the Iru Ekun Security Network in 2026. He is the Chairman of Adeson International Business Concept Ltd.

Personal Life

Sunday Igboho has two wives. His children include three professional football players currently playing in Germany.

References

  1. Farouk Shuaibu. “The untold story of controversial Yoruba youth leader Sunday Igboho”. Daily Trust.
  2. Yinka Adeniran. “Sunday Igboho returns to Ibadan residence today”. The Nation.
  3. Remi Adebayo. “Yoruba Nation: Igboho Submits Petition To UK Prime Minister”. Leadership.
  4. Saheed Oyelakin. “PHOTOS: Sunday Igboho unveils Iru Ekun Security Network in Ogun”. Punch Newspapers.
  5. Ayomikunle Daramola. “Sunday Igboho bags honorary degree in war and peace studies from US varsity”. The Cable.
  6. Jemilat Nasiru. “Sunday Igboho: Tinubu gave me N2m to fuel my car in 2009”. The Cable.
  7. Adejumo Kabir. “SPECIAL REPORT: Inside story of how Sunday Igboho rose to prominence”. Premium Times.
  8. BBC News Pidgin. “Sunday Igboho: Biography of Sunday Adeyemo, Yoruba activist wey ask Seriki Fulani Oyo State, herdsmen, to quit”. www.bbc.com.
  9. Bolanle Olabimtan “Court orders Benin Republic to pay Igboho 20m CFA over rights violation”. The Cable.