Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to intervene on his behalf with President Bola Tinubu to have his name removed from the Federal Government’s wanted list.
Igboho, who was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in July 2021 over alleged possession of arms and ammunition, also pleaded for the unfreezing of his bank accounts. He made the appeal during a visit to the monarch at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday, accompanied by friends and associates.
Speaking in Yoruba, Igboho also offered a public apology for his past criticisms of the Ooni, saying he had come to make peace and seek royal support.
“I want you to forgive and forget whatever wrong I have done to you. You are my father and you can’t do away with me,” he said. “I am still on the Federal Government wanted list, and I want you to help me clear my name. Also, my account is frozen and I want you to assist me with that.”
Igboho recalled being advised by the Olowo of Owo to meet with the Ooni, whom he described as the “overall authority” in Yorubaland. He also spoke emotionally about the honour he received during a recent Yoruba security summit hosted by the Ooni.
“After the programme, I burst into tears because I was overwhelmed by emotions. I told the person beside me that this was the same Ooni I once abused,” he added. “You are truly Oodua’s reincarnate.”
On the state of insecurity in the South-West, Igboho reaffirmed his readiness to mobilise and protect Yoruba communities from criminal elements hiding in forests.
“I want you to send us into the forest. We will flush out all those kidnappers. We have the capacity to protect our people. Oodua’s descendants are not slaves to the Fulani.”
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Ooni responds: “I’ve forgiven you”
In his response, Oba Ogunwusi praised Igboho’s commitment to the Yoruba cause and confirmed he had long forgiven the activist for his previous verbal attacks.
“Some of you have abused me in the past, but whenever I saw your posts, I just laughed. I know you are concerned,” the Ooni said. “I am not angry with you because I am the father of all.”
The monarch also assured Igboho that he would support efforts to have his name removed from the Federal Government’s wanted list and push for the restoration of his freedom.
“We are going to ensure that your name is removed from the wanted list,” Oba Ogunwusi declared. “What you are fighting for is not for you alone but for Yorubaland.”
While commending Igboho’s bravery, the Ooni cautioned against associating with individuals who do not have the activist’s best interests at heart. He emphasised the importance of unity and diplomacy in championing the Yoruba cause.
“Let’s do away with fighting, it will not bring any good development to Yorubaland,” he said. “That is why I keep calm most of the time.”
The meeting, which symbolised reconciliation and strategic dialogue, is expected to influence ongoing efforts to resolve security concerns in the South-West and improve relations between Yoruba traditional institutions and activists advocating for regional autonomy.
