Ooni of Ife to Intervene in Igboho’s Case
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has promised to intervene in the long-standing face-off between Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo (popularly known as Sunday Igboho), and the Nigerian government.
Speaking at his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the monarch assured Igboho that he would prevail on the federal government to remove his name from the Department of State Services (DSS) wanted list.
Background: Why Igboho Was Declared Wanted
Sunday Igboho was declared wanted in July 2021 after DSS operatives raided his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Authorities alleged that a stockpile of arms was discovered at his home, a claim Igboho has consistently denied. Since then, he has been at the center of controversies tied to the Yoruba Nation self-determination movement.
Ooni’s Message of Forgiveness and Support
Despite previous tensions, the Ooni noted that he has forgiven Igboho for past insults directed at him, stressing that his role as a traditional father requires peacebuilding.
“I am not angry with you because I am the father of all. You are a brave man and our pride in Yorubaland, and you will not die young,” the monarch declared.
He further assured Igboho of his full support:
The Ooni pledged to work towards removing his name from the wanted list.
He thanked God that Igboho survived his ordeal, saying his life remains a symbol of courage for Yorubaland.
He emphasized that Ile-Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba people, remains committed to peace and development across the region.
Igboho’s Appeal to the Ooni
Before the Ooni’s remarks, Sunday Igboho had appealed to the monarch to use his influence to secure his removal from the government’s wanted list and to facilitate the unfreezing of his bank accounts.
What This Means for Yoruba Nation Agitation
The Ooni’s intervention could reshape the dialogue between Yoruba Nation agitators and the Nigerian government. His call for peace and reconciliation reflects his ongoing efforts to position Ile-Ife as a symbol of unity, stability, and development in Yorubaland.
