Igboho apologises to Ooni, says he needs help to defend Yoruba people

Yoruba nation campaigner Sunday Adeyemo, better known as Sunday Igboho, has publicly apologised to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, during a reconciliation visit to the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday.

The meeting, attended by top Yoruba monarchs, chiefs, and a large crowd of supporters, symbolised a decisive step in mending strained relations between the revered traditional ruler and the activist after months of friction.

An emotional Igboho went flat on the palace floor as he openly admitted wrongdoing.

“I thank God for my life and for this moment. I never imagined Kabiyesi would honour me this way. I have offended him, and I am here to tender my apology.

“Whoever I have wronged should also forgive me. A man may abuse a king in his absence, but no one insults a monarch to his face. Kabiyesi, please forgive me,” he said.

The activist disclosed that while in detention in the Benin Republic, he learned of the Ooni’s quiet efforts to secure his release despite earlier criticisms from him. He urged the monarch to help remove his name from the security watchlist and to push for his frozen bank accounts to be unfrozen, stressing his unwavering dedication to protecting Yorubaland.

“My priority is the security of our people. They are being killed, and I want to use my strength to defend them. I need your support to make this possible,” Igboho pleaded.

Traditional rulers present, including the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, lauded Igboho’s humility. They expressed confidence that the Ooni would use his influence to address his concerns.

In his response, the Ooni described Igboho as “a brilliant and courageous son of Yorubaland,” noting that his activism stemmed from a desire to defend the Yoruba people rather than personal gain.

“Patience and humility always prevail. Many insulted me when matters became difficult, but I remained calm because I understood. I held private discussions with former President Muhammadu Buhari over your case. I thank God that you are alive today,” the monarch said.

Oba Ogunwusi promised to work toward resolving Igboho’s security issues and unfreezing his accounts, adding:“You are my son, and I harbour no anger against you. Some advised me not to receive you in Ife, but I told them you are fighting for our people. All matters will be settled. We must put aside divisions and unite as one Yoruba family.”