Society Editor
By Tolu Adesuwa Igiehon
Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has paid a courtesy and thanksgiving visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following the removal of his name from the Federal Government’s list of wanted individuals.
The visit, held at the monarch’s residence in Bodija, Ibadan, symbolised Igboho’s gradual re-entry into national life after years in exile and highlighted the behind-the-scenes role of traditional rulers in easing long-standing political and security tensions.
Igboho’s return became possible after the administration of President Bola Tinubu lifted restrictions imposed on him, following sustained appeals by respected Yoruba monarchs and community leaders who pushed for dialogue and reconciliation in the interest of peace across the South-West.
In 2021, the former administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari had declared Igboho wanted over allegations of illegal arms possession and froze his bank accounts. A dramatic raid on his Ibadan residence by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), backed by soldiers, led to the deaths of two of his aides and the arrest of several others, forcing him into exile and triggering widespread regional tension.
Sources familiar with the reconciliation efforts revealed that the Olubadan played a significant mediatory role, engaging authorities and key stakeholders to ensure a calm and dignified resolution without further escalation.
While receiving Igboho and his entourage, Oba Ladoja emphasised the importance of patience, dialogue, and restraint, warning against actions capable of disrupting peace in Yorubaland and Nigeria at large.
“Traditional rulers are custodians of peace. Our responsibility is to step in when tensions rise,” the monarch said. “As long as there is life, there is hope. Every experience carries lessons, and wisdom lies in learning from them.”
He urged Igboho to embrace the opportunity for a new beginning and to conduct himself responsibly going forward. “You have been given another chance. Use it wisely. Let peace and dialogue guide your actions,” Oba Ladoja advised.
In response, Igboho expressed profound gratitude to the Olubadan, describing his intervention as timely and fatherly. He said he never imagined the monarch would play such a pivotal role in resolving his ordeal.
“I thank God for Kabiyesi. He stood by me at a critical time and supported me when it mattered most,” Igboho said.
He added that his freedom had brought relief and joy to many Yoruba people both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, noting that his return was widely celebrated.
The Olubadan concluded the visit by offering prayers for Igboho and his family, wishing him good health, wisdom, and peace of mind, while encouraging him to let the episode end in reconciliation and harmony.
