Yoruba Nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene on his behalf and facilitate his removal from the Federal Government’s wanted list. Igboho, who has been in exile since 2021 following a raid on his Ibadan residence by the Department of State Services (DSS), made the passionate plea during a virtual interaction with some Yoruba elders and traditional rulers.
In his appeal, Igboho urged the Ooni of Ife, whom he described as the “father of the Yoruba race,” to use his influence and revered position to negotiate his safe return to Nigeria without fear of arrest or harassment by security agencies. He lamented that being on the government’s wanted list has not only restricted his freedom of movement but also limited his capacity to actively contribute to the development of Yoruba land and Nigeria at large.
“I have always stood for the protection and unity of my people. Kabiyesi, I am pleading with you to speak with the Federal Government so that my name can be cleared from their wanted list. I want to return home and continue to work for the progress of our people without being hunted,” Igboho was quoted as saying.
The activist also emphasized that his agitation for Yoruba self-determination was never intended to destabilize Nigeria but rather to push for fairness, equity, and security for his people in the wake of incessant farmer-herder clashes, kidnappings, and other security challenges in the South-West.
Responding, sources close to the Ooni’s palace revealed that Oba Ogunwusi acknowledged Igboho’s appeal and assured that traditional rulers would continue to play a mediatory role between the government and aggrieved citizens. The Ooni reportedly noted that dialogue and reconciliation remain the best paths to resolving lingering tensions in the country.
Igboho’s plea comes at a time when calls for his unconditional return have been gaining traction among Yoruba leaders and socio-cultural groups, who argue that his activism should not be criminalized. Some political analysts believe that if granted, Igboho’s request could mark the beginning of a broader reconciliation process between the Federal Government and various separatist movements across Nigeria.
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