The detainees made their plea in a written letter reportedly delivered through DHL courier service to the residence of Sunday Igboho on Friday, February 13, 2026.
Ibadan – Oyo: A group of Yoruba Nation agitators currently detained at the Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, have issued an emotional appeal to Yoruba self-determination activist Sunday Adeyemo Igboho and renowned Yoruba leader Prof Adebanji Akintoye, seeking urgent intervention over their prolonged detention and worsening conditions.
The detainees made their plea in a written letter reportedly delivered through DHL courier service to the residence of Sunday Igboho on Friday, February 13, 2026.
In the letter, the detained individuals expressed appreciation for Igboho’s role in advocating for Yoruba interests and congratulated him on regaining freedom after legal battles with Nigerian authorities.
According to excerpts from the letter:
“We the Yoruba agitators caught and detained in Agodi Correctional Centre since April 13, 2024, appreciate and identify with you for your contributions toward the development of our native land, Yorubaland.”
They further acknowledged what they described as divine intervention and public support that helped remove Igboho’s name from international watchlists, wishing him continued success.
However, the detainees appealed for immediate assistance, urging him to mobilize traditional rulers and prominent Yoruba leaders to intervene in their situation.
“We appeal to you sir to help us call on Yoruba traditional leaders, kings, chiefs and well-meaning sons and daughters of Yorubaland to urgently look into our matter.”
The detainees described harsh living conditions inside the correctional facility, stating that their continued detention has severely affected their families, livelihoods, and health.
“We are suffering here in Agodi Correctional Centre. Our wives, jobs, families and health have suffered greatly. We are begging for prompt and immediate attention.”
They alleged that many inmates are battling infections and illnesses requiring urgent medical attention.
In a notable part of the letter, the detainees distanced themselves from a woman identified as Madam Dupe Onitiri, whom they claimed previously led or influenced their actions and allegedly identified herself as the late wife of Nigerian democracy icon M. K. O. Abiola.
“Our eyes have opened. We now see that Madam Dupe Onitiri deceived us, and that your agitation for Yorubaland is different from the deceitfulness we experienced. Please save us before it is too late.”
They stated that their experiences in detention had changed their perception.
The detainees were among no fewer than 29 suspects arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ibadan following an alleged attempted invasion of the Oyo State Government Secretariat at Agodi on April 13, 2024.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused of conspiracy to commit treasonable felony, participation in an unlawful society, going armed, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
The prosecution alleged that the suspects and others still at large conspired at about 8:30 a.m. on the said date within the Ibadan Magisterial District, offences punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria (2000).
The defendants include men and women of varying ages, ranging from 25 to 78 years old, reflecting the wide demographic involvement in the incident.
The appeal highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Yoruba self-determination movements and raises renewed concerns about prolonged detention, prison welfare, and political agitation in southwestern Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Sunday Igboho or Professor Banji Akintoye regarding the detainees’ request.
Observers say the development may reignite debate on dialogue, justice processes, and the humanitarian treatment of political detainees within the country.
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