Legal Nigeria

Benin Republic monarchs to write president over Sunday Igboho

Sodiq Oyeleke

Photo: The monarchs

Yoruba monarchs in Benin Republic have resolved to write the president of the country, Patrice Talon, over the arrest and detention of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho, in the country.

The traditional rulers made this known after meeting at the Ajohoun Palace in Adjohoun, Benin on Sunday.

The Beninese court adjourned Igboho’s case till Monday (tomorrow) after his five lawyers failed to convince the prosecutor that he had no case to answer.

The Beninese authorities released Ropo, the agitator’s wife, who was arrested with the 48-year-old activist on Monday, July 19, 2021, by the International Criminal Police Organisation at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Republic of Benin on their way to Germany.

On his part, Igboho was returned to police custody.

The lawyers had said that during the hearing, prosecutors claimed Igboho was on a watchlist for alleged trafficking in arms, inciting violence that could result in social disturbance and causing disunity in Nigeria.

The PUNCH had reported that Yoruba leaders, including monarchs, are rallying support for the Yoruba rights activist.

After their meeting which ended at 2 pm, the monarchs told BBC News Yoruba that the meeting was aimed at finding a solution and the steps they would take on Sunday Igboho’s issue.

They said that it was agreed upon that a letter should be written to the president of Benin Republic, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Interior, and the Head of the country’s parliament.

Though the monarchs refused to state what would be the content of their letter, they promised to discuss the outcome with journalists.

They said discussing their demands in the media could jeopardise their chances of getting them approved.

King Siyan Aladjohoun of Adjohoun added that said the monarchs also considered visiting the country’s President and other government officials.