Olubadan and Sunday Igboho met in Ibadan, pledging unity, tackling Kwara banditry, and seeking Federal Government dialogue to end Southwest insecurity
The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has assured Yoruba nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, of his support in resolving his ongoing challenges with the Federal Government.
The monarch gave this assurance during a closed-door meeting at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, emphasizing that peace and cooperation are vital for the progress of Yorubaland.
The meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes on Monday, focused largely on the rising wave of Southwest insecurity, particularly the growing threats of Kwara banditry that have unsettled communities in the region.
According to a statement from Igboho’s media office, both men also discussed ways to strengthen traditional and government collaboration for a safer Yoruba nation.
Oba Ladoja warmly welcomed Igboho and his supporters, pledging to play a fatherly role in guiding him through his current ordeals.
The monarch, widely respected as a former governor of Oyo State and a key figure in the Ibadan monarchy, has long been known for his calm influence in political and cultural matters.
His promise to intervene was seen by many as a step toward reconciliation and dialogue with national authorities.
During the visit, Sunday Igboho congratulated the Olubadan on his ascension to the throne, praising his humility, wisdom, and dedication to the Yoruba people.
He described the monarch as a unifier whose reign would bring “peace, stability, and development” not only to Ibadanland but to the entire Yoruba nation.
“Olubadan has been a guiding father to me since his days as Governor of Oyo State. His leadership style is one of humility and service.
“I believe his reign will foster peace, unity, and security across Yorubaland,” Igboho said.
While Igboho’s personal challenges with the Federal Government were discussed, the heart of the meeting was security.
Igboho noted that increasing cases of kidnapping, killings, and bandit attacks in Kwara State threaten the wider stability of Yorubaland.
He expressed readiness to cooperate with authorities to strengthen local security measures, stressing that development cannot thrive without peace.
“Security is not just the responsibility of government alone,” he said.
“Traditional institutions, communities, and activists must work together to ensure that our people live without fear.”
Analysts say the meeting between Olubadan and Sunday Igboho symbolizes a renewed bond between Yoruba activism and traditional authority.
In Yoruba culture, monarchs are not just custodians of heritage but also mediators in disputes and influencers of political direction.
By engaging Igboho so early in his reign, Oba Ladoja signaled that his throne will not shy away from confronting urgent issues such as Southwest insecurity.
His intervention also demonstrates that the Ibadan monarchy intends to remain relevant in shaping the security and unity of Yorubaland.
Sunday Igboho’s journey has been filled with turbulence. In 2021, he gained national attention after mobilizing against herdsmen attacks in Oyo and Ogun States.
His activism for a Yoruba nation brought him into conflict with the Federal Government, leading to a raid on his residence by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He later fled to Benin Republic, where he was detained before regaining partial freedom.
His return to Nigeria has been closely watched, with supporters viewing him as a defender of Yoruba people while critics argue that his agitation challenged national unity.
Against this backdrop, the Olubadan’s warm reception is widely interpreted as a reconciliatory step.
News of the private meeting has attracted positive responses. Community elders praised the monarch for opening dialogue instead of ignoring Igboho.
Political commentators noted that Yoruba monarchs like Oba Ladoja carry moral authority that resonates deeply among the people, making them essential actors in mediating conflicts.
One Ibadan elder observed: “The Olubadan’s engagement shows that the Ibadan monarchy is not passive. It understands that the future of the Yoruba nation depends on peace, security, and cooperation.”
The implications of the meeting are significant. If the Olubadan succeeds in bridging the gap between Igboho and the Federal Government, it could reduce tensions and redirect energies toward tackling Southwest insecurity.
Moreover, it demonstrates how traditional rulers can act as stabilizing forces when political structures face challenges.
Observers also believe that Olubadan’s approach may inspire other Yoruba monarchs to take stronger roles in addressing insecurity and mediating disputes between citizens and government.
As Oba Ladoja begins his reign, expectations are high that he will consolidate peace and unity in Ibadan and beyond.
His dialogue with Igboho may be the first of many strategic engagements aimed at reinforcing the Yoruba voice on national issues.
The monarch’s pledge of support, coupled with Igboho’s readiness for Federal Government dialogue, signals hope that the region can overcome security challenges.
With collaboration between activists, monarchs, and authorities, the vision of a safer and more united Yoruba nation seems attainable.
The meeting between Olubadan and Sunday Igboho represents more than a private audience; it is a symbol of unity, dialogue, and shared responsibility in addressing insecurity.
For Ibadanland and Yorubaland, it underscores the vital role traditional institutions play in stabilizing society.
With Kwara banditry and Southwest insecurity pressing hard on communities, the combined efforts of monarchs and activists will be crucial.
If sustained, the partnership between the Ibadan monarchy and Sunday Igboho could chart a new path of peace, reconciliation, and development for the Yoruba people.
About The Author
