The historic city of Ile-Ife, regarded as the cradle of the Yoruba civilization, was thrown into celebration on Saturday when Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, paid a reconciliatory visit to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The visit, which drew massive attention from Yoruba leaders, traditional rulers, and Igboho’s supporters, was described as a turning point in the activist’s long-running struggle for the dignity and protection of the Yoruba people.
Stepping into the Ooni’s palace, Igboho was received with royal warmth despite the controversies of the past.
In an emotional address, he tendered an unreserved apology to Oba Ogunwusi for the harsh words he had once spoken against the throne, acknowledging that it was a grave error to have done so.
“Kabiyesi, I thank God for my life and for this day. I never believed I would stand before you and receive this honour.
“I have offended you in the past, and I am here to beg for forgiveness.
“Whoever I have wronged in the course of my struggle should also please forgive me,” Igboho said, bowing in respect.
The activist admitted that it was unbecoming of him to have spoken against a revered monarch, stressing that no Yoruba son or daughter had the right to disrespect the crown.
Recalling his ordeals in the Benin Republic, where he was detained for several months following his dramatic flight from Nigeria in 2021, Igboho revealed that he was stunned to discover that the Ooni had played a quiet but decisive role in securing his freedom.
“When I was in detention, I was told of the countless efforts Kabiyesi made on my behalf. This touched me deeply because I knew I had once spoken wrongly against him. It humbled me, and it is one of the reasons I am here today,” he recounted.
He further appealed to the monarch to use his influence in ensuring that his name was cleared from the security watchlist and that his frozen bank accounts were unfrozen.
According to him, his mission remained the protection of Yoruba lives and land.
He emphasized that the wave of insecurity—particularly banditry and killings in parts of the Southwest—must be addressed decisively.
“Our land is not safe. Our people are being killed on their farms, in their homes, and on the highways.
“My voice and strength belong to Yorubaland. Kabiyesi, please help us secure our future,” he pleaded.
The gathering was not only about apology but also reconciliation and reassurance. The Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, both present at the palace, commended Igboho for displaying humility and courage by retracing his steps.
They noted that it was rare for public figures, especially activists, to publicly admit their errors, adding that his gesture had earned him renewed respect among the Yoruba people.
The monarchs assured him that the Yoruba traditional institution bore no grudge against him and expressed optimism that the Ooni’s intervention would pave the way for resolving his lingering challenges.
In his response, Oba Ogunwusi commended Igboho for choosing the path of humility and reconciliation. The Ooni stressed that patience and humility remain the foundation of lasting leadership.
“I have learned that a patient and humble person will always triumph. When many insulted me over your matter, I smiled because I understood.
“I had several private meetings with former President Muhammadu Buhari on your case, and I thank God you are alive today,” he said.
The Ooni reassured Igboho that he regarded him as a son and that he had no anger toward him despite past misunderstandings. He further described him as “a pride to the Yoruba race” whose struggles were not selfish but in defence of the Yoruba people.
“Some people advised me against receiving you, but I told them that what you are doing is not for yourself alone, it is for the good of our people.
“All issues concerning your name on the wanted list and your frozen bank accounts will be resolved,” he assured.
The Ooni also used the occasion to call for unity among Yoruba leaders and agitators, warning that unnecessary divisions could weaken the collective struggle of the Yoruba people.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for embodying the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos in his leadership style and expressed confidence that the President would continue to support causes that safeguard the interest of Yorubaland.
“Let us put aside fights and unite for the progress of Yorubaland. With humility, patience, and unity, we can achieve more for our people,” the monarch concluded.
For many observers, the visit marked a historic reconciliation between Igboho and the Yoruba traditional leadership, symbolized by the Ooni of Ife.
It also signaled a fresh beginning in the activist’s quest to rebuild his image and renew his struggle for the Yoruba cause.
The palace grounds, filled with supporters and dignitaries, echoed with chants of solidarity as Sunday Igboho departed—no longer as a defiant agitator, but as a humbled son seeking peace and guidance from the throne of his ancestors.