Former President Obasanjo in Benin Republic Over Igboho’s Release

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is said to be in the Benin Republic, where he is reportedly effectuating the release of embattled Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo known widely as Sunday Igboho.

According to some top diplomatic sources, the former president flew to Zanzibar, a Tanzanian island, on August 1 and then redirected to the Francophone country.

Obasanjo was claimed to have gone to Benin Republic to express his condolences to Nicephore Soglo, who had lately lost his wife, Roseline Soglo.

Roseline died in Cotonou on July 25th at the age of 87.

“Former President Obasanjo travelled to Zanzibar on August 1. Perhaps to conceal his trip; he rerouted to the Benin Republic,” one source said.

“He was to condole with former President Soglo who recently lost his wife.”

Another source familiar with Obasanjo’s travel itinerary said: “He also met with Patrice Talon. The purpose of the meeting was to seek soft-landing for Sunday Igboho.

“He’s asking the Beninese authorities to grant the separatist leader asylum, and not to return him to Nigeria.

“The former president intervened on the request of some southwest leaders.”

Recall that Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho was arrested some weeks back by Benin security forces while attempting to leave for Germany.

The Department of State Services (DSS) stormed his residence in Oyo on July 1, killing two people and arresting twelve of his supporters.

He has been detained in Cotonou since his capture.

Obasanjo’s aide acknowledged the former president’s presence in the Benin Republic.

Obasanjo reportedly returned to Nigeria by road across the Idiroko land border in Ogun state, according to TheCable.