The Arole Oduduwa and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Saturday received Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife, where he openly pardoned him and granted royal forgiveness.
According to a statement issued by the Ooni’s spokesman, Moses Olafare, the historic visit electrified the ancient city of Ife as it drew prominent Yoruba monarchs, traditional chiefs, and a large crowd of supporters.
Visibly emotional, Igboho prostrated before the Ooni, offering an unreserved apology for his past remarks. He admitted that his words against the monarch were harsh but emphasized that he had since learnt valuable lessons.
“I thank God for my life and for this opportunity. I never thought Kabiyesi would honour me this way. I have offended the Ooni and I am here to seek forgiveness. Whoever I have offended should also forgive me. A person may abuse a monarch behind his back, but no one dares insult a king to his face. Kabiyesi, please forgive me,” Igboho pleaded.
The activist further revealed that during his incarceration in Benin Republic, he was shocked to learn that the Ooni had played a significant role in efforts to secure his release, despite his earlier criticisms. He therefore appealed to the monarch to intervene in clearing his name from the security watchlist and in unfreezing his bank accounts.
“My priority is the security of Yorubaland. Our people are being killed, and I want to use my strength to defend them. I need your support to make this possible,” he said.
In their remarks, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, praised Igboho’s humility and assured him that Yoruba monarchs had forgiven him. They also expressed confidence that the Ooni would use his influence to address Igboho’s challenges.
Responding, the Ooni of Ife described Igboho as a “brilliant and courageous son of Yorubaland” whose struggles were rooted in the collective interest of the Yoruba people rather than personal gain.
“One thing I know is that patience and humility always prevail. Many insulted me when matters became difficult, but I kept smiling because I understood. I met privately with former President Muhammadu Buhari several times over your case. I thank God you are alive today,” the monarch said.
Oba Ogunwusi assured Igboho that the necessary steps would be taken to address his concerns, promising that his wanted status and frozen accounts would be resolved.
“You are my son, and I am not angry with you. You remain a pride to the Yoruba race. Some people advised me not to receive you in Ife, but I told them you are fighting for our people. All matters will be settled. Let us put aside division and unite as one Yoruba family,” Ooni added.
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