Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has extended a public apology to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and appealed for the monarch’s intervention with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to secure his removal from the Federal Government’s wanted list.
Igboho, who was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in July 2021 over allegations of stockpiling arms, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday. He arrived with a large delegation of supporters and associates.
In a heartfelt address delivered in Yoruba, Igboho acknowledged past verbal attacks directed at the monarch, referring to the Ooni as a father figure in Yorubaland.
“I want you to forgive and forget whatever wrong I have done to you. You are my father, and you cannot disown me. I know you have forgiven me already, going by this warm reception,” he said.
The activist also pleaded with the Ooni to intervene in lifting the federal embargo on his bank accounts, which he said have remained frozen since his clash with security agencies. Igboho reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the South-West and expressed willingness to mobilise his followers to flush out criminal elements from the region’s forests.
“Send us into the forest and we will flush out kidnappers. We have the capacity to protect our people. Oodua’s descendants are not slaves to the Fulani,” he declared.
Reflecting on his virtual participation in a recent security summit convened by the Ooni, Igboho said he was moved to tears when the monarch publicly recognised him during the event, despite his absence and previous tensions.
In his response, Oba Ogunwusi warmly received Igboho, describing him as “a brave man” and “a pride of Yorubaland.” The monarch assured the activist of his forgiveness and pledged to support efforts to clear his name.
“God has blessed Sunday Igboho a lot, and I thank God he did not die during his tribulations. You are my child and Ile-Ife is your home. We will work to ensure your name is removed from the wanted list,” the Ooni stated.
He, however, advised caution and urged unity among Yoruba leaders and activists, emphasising that sustainable development in the region can only be achieved through peace and collaboration.
The visit marks a significant step in the reconciliation process between Igboho and traditional authorities, potentially paving the way for renewed dialogue with the Federal Government.