By John Umeh
Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene on his behalf and plead with President Bola Tinubu for his removal from the Federal Government’s wanted list.
Igboho, who was declared wanted in July 2021 by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations of stockpiling arms, disclosed his plea during a visit to the monarch at the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday. The activist was accompanied by a large entourage of friends and associates.
Speaking at the palace, Igboho publicly apologised to the Ooni for his past verbal attacks and sought forgiveness.
“I want you to forgive and forget whatever wrong I have done to you. You are my father, and I know you have already forgiven me by the warm reception given to me today,” Igboho said.
“I am here to further seek your help. I am still on the Federal Government’s wanted list, and I want you to assist me in clearing my name. My bank accounts are also frozen, and I believe you can help ensure the embargo is lifted.”
He added that the Olowo of Owo had encouraged him to meet the Ooni, stressing that as the “overall authority,” the Ife monarch was in the best position to intervene.
On the issue of insecurity in the South-West, Igboho reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Yorubaland from bandits and kidnappers hiding in forests.
“We have the capacity to flush out these criminals. Yorubaland cannot be enslaved. Ooni is the head of all monarchs, and I am ready to serve in safeguarding our people,” he declared.
The activist also recalled being moved to tears when the Ooni honoured him during a recent security summit, despite their past differences.
In his response, the Ooni praised Igboho’s passion for the Yoruba cause and assured him of forgiveness. The monarch stressed that he bore no grudge against him despite past criticisms.
“Some of you abused me before, but I laughed it off. God has blessed you, and I am grateful you survived your trials. You are brave and a pride to Yorubaland,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
“We will work to ensure your name is removed from the wanted list. Fighting will not bring development to our land; only unity will. You are from Ile-Ife, and you are my child. The respect you earned here today is worth more than money.”
The Ooni further pledged to support ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and security in the South-West, urging unity among Yoruba leaders.
