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Why Benin Republic Hasn't Freed Igboho Despite Tireless Efforts By Obasanjo, Others To Secure His Freedom—Dele Momodu

November 8, 2021

Momodu, however, said he prefers that Igboho should remain in the Benin Republic than be extradited to his home country, Nigeria.

Media personality and businessman, Dele Momodu has hinted that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is among those working tirelessly to ensure that Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho regains his freedom.

He also identified other Yoruba prominent figures to be commended for their efforts in that regard as Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo and the President of Ilana Omo Oodua, Prof Banji Akintoye.

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The Ovation Publisher disclosed that Igboho did not commit any offence, adding that the Nigerian government has threatened its Benin Republic counterpart not to release the separatist agitator.

 

Momodu revealed this during a video clip of his live programme posted on social media on Sunday.

 

Speaking in Yoruba, the media guru noted that Obasanjo is the most influential man in Africa and that he is making effort to get Igboho freed.

 

“My fathers that are older and more influential than me are on this matter. They are working tirelessly on his case. If you consider Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, there is no other African greater than him at the moment, I will not deceive you. Maybe after Nelson Mandela, but after him, nobody has his influential power in Africa at the moment. I’m very certain he is not relenting on Sunday Igboho’s case. Also, let us commend Prof Banji Akintoye. As old as he is, he’s still working tirelessly as well. Also, Pa Ayo Adebanjo.

 

“I have friends in Cotonou, even I had an office there before I closed it when we had persistent slight issues with the French-speaking people. But I still talk to my friends there. They tell me some deep things and give advice,” Momodu said.

 

He said the Beninese government depends so much on its trade with Nigeria, identifying it as the reason why President Patrice Talon has not freed Igboho.

 

Momodu, however, said he prefers that Igboho should remain in the Benin Republic than be extradited to his home country, Nigeria.

 

“Nigerian government is threatening the Benin Republic. That’s the truth! And they are still dependent on Nigeria economically in terms of trade. About 80 to 90 per cent of Benin Republic trade is with Nigeria. That’s why the country has not allowed Sunday Igboho to go, he didn’t commit any offence. If he had committed any offence, he would have been charged to court and jailed but he didn’t do anything.

 

“Personally, I prefer he should be in Cotonou than to be extradited to Nigeria. It’s better. For the fact that the Benin Republic has not released him for the wolf in Nigeria to devour, we should thank God. We should also thank the President of Benin Republic, Talon,” Momodu added. 

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Human Rights