…as Ooni, Olubadan delegations arrive Benin Republic
The Yoruba freedom fighter Sunday Igboho was on Monday granted access to medical care by Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, after sitting over his case for about 11 hours.
First News gathered that while Igboho’s lawyers battled to secure his release, the court only allowed him access to medical care after a court session that ended around 11:30pm.
The court session took a longer time due to the nature of law in the country, which is different from Nigeria’s
Meanwhile, a member of Igboho’s legal team, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has expressed hope that the freedom fighter would be released.
The court session took place inside a court room with his wife and lawyers in attendance while journalists and supporters of Igboho were denied access to the courtroom.
The court investigated the allegations brought against Igboho by the Federal Government of Nigeria which claimed, among others, that the activist was a gun runner who caused disunity in the country.
First News had reported that Igboho and wife were arrested at the Cardinal Bernadin Airport in Cotonou, while trying to travel to Germany through an Air France plane.
He has since been facing court trial since his arrest.
Meanwhile, delegations of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, respectively, have arrived in Cotonou to observe the trial of Igboho.
Recall that the two Yoruba monarchs had sent two delegations to Benin Republic to monitor the case involving the details activist.
Ooni of Ife had set up a 28-member committee made up of notable South-West personalities to look into the arrest of the agitator and other matters affecting the region.
Also, the Olubadan of Ibadan had said the delegation to the neighbouring country was to allay the fears of several people, including protesters who besieged his palace.
Olubadan’s Personal Assistant/Director of Media and Publicity, Adeola Oloko, said the delegations arrived from Ibadan on Sunday.
Yes, they have arrived,” he said.
Also confirming the arrival of Ooni’s delegation, a member of the delegation said the purpose of the delegation is to get the true situation of things and report back.
“Yes, we are here. We will give him feedback. Our purpose here is to get the true situation of things and report back,” he said.