The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Saturday as Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, paid a reconciliatory visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The much-anticipated meeting, attended by prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, chiefs and a large crowd of supporters, was marked by emotional moments as the embattled activist openly tendered an apology to the foremost monarch for past utterances.
In a solemn tone, Igboho admitted his missteps, stressing that no one dared disparage a royal father. He recalled his travails in Benin Republic prisons and disclosed that it was during that period he realised the Ooni had intervened quietly to secure his freedom, despite his earlier criticisms.
“I thank God for my life and for this day. I never thought Kabiyesi would receive me in this manner,” Igboho said.
“I offended the Ooni in the past, and I am here to seek forgiveness. Whoever I have offended should also forgive me. Kabiyesi, I also beg you to help facilitate the removal of my name from the security watchlist and the unfreezing of my bank accounts. My priority is the safety of Yorubaland, and I want to continue using my voice for that cause.”
Traditional rulers, including the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, lauded Igboho’s show of humility. They assured him that the Yoruba traditional institution had forgiven him and pledged to stand by him as he navigates his challenges.
In his response, Ooni Ogunwusi urged the activist to embrace patience and humility, describing them as timeless virtues of leadership.
“One thing I have learnt is that a patient and humble person will always triumph,” the monarch declared.
“When many of you abused me, I kept quiet because I understood. I held several meetings with former President Muhammadu Buhari about your matter. It was not easy, but I thank God you are alive today. You are my son, and I am not angry with you. Some advised me not to receive you, but I told them your struggle is not for yourself alone—it is for our people.”
The Ooni also commended President Bola Tinubu for upholding the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos in governance, assuring that efforts would be made to address Igboho’s security concerns and financial restrictions.
“Let us put aside fights and unite for the progress of Yorubaland,” the Ooni concluded, drawing thunderous applause from the gathering.
