Ooni of Ife Forgives Sunday Igboho in Historic Reconciliation at Ile Oodua Palace
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Saturday, formally forgave Yoruba self-determination activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, during a reconciliation visit to the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife.
The landmark meeting, attended by eminent Yoruba monarchs, traditional chiefs, and a large crowd of supporters, was seen as a major step toward healing the rift between the revered monarch and the activist after years of strained relations and public disagreements.
An emotional Igboho prostrated before the Ooni, tendering an unreserved apology for his past remarks. He admitted that his earlier words had been harsh and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to seek forgiveness.
“I thank God for my life and for this moment. I never imagined Kabiyesi would honour me this way. I have offended him, and I am here to tender my apology. Whoever I have wronged should also forgive me. A man may abuse a king in his absence, but no one insults a monarch to his face. Kabiyesi, please forgive me,” he said.
The activist further revealed that while imprisoned in the Benin Republic, he was informed of the Ooni’s private efforts to secure his release despite his criticisms. He appealed to the monarch to intervene in removing his name from the security watchlist and to assist in unfreezing his bank accounts, reiterating his commitment to defending Yorubaland from insecurity.
“My priority is the security of our people. They are being killed, and I want to use my strength to defend them. I need your support to make this possible,” Igboho pleaded.
In support of the reconciliation, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, commended Igboho’s humility and assured him of forgiveness from Yoruba traditional rulers.
They expressed confidence that the Ooni would leverage his influence to address the activist’s concerns.
Responding, the Ooni described Igboho as a “brilliant and courageous son of Yorubaland,” whose activism, he said, was born out of genuine concern for the Yoruba people.
“Patience and humility always prevail. Many insulted me when matters became difficult, but I remained calm because I understood. I held private discussions with former President Muhammadu Buhari over your case. I thank God that you are alive today,” the monarch revealed.
The Ooni assured Igboho that steps would be taken to resolve his lingering issues, including his security status and frozen accounts.
“You are my son, and I harbour no anger against you. Some advised me not to receive you in Ife, but I told them you are fighting for our people. All matters will be settled. We must put aside divisions and unite as one Yoruba family,” the monarch declared.
The reconciliation is widely regarded as a symbolic moment in Yoruba unity, with many observers noting that it could mark the beginning of renewed collaboration among leaders and activists in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
