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The Arole Oduduwa, 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 in Ile-Ife, where he openly pardoned him and offered royal forgiveness.

The highly anticipated visit drew an electrifying reception in the ancient city, with prominent Yoruba monarchs, traditional chiefs, and a large crowd of supporters present to witness the symbolic reconciliation.

Visibly emotional, Igboho prostrated before the Ooni, declaring his unreserved apology for past remarks made against the monarch. He admitted that his words had been harsh but stressed that his ordeal had taught him 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 him, but no one dares to insult a king to his face. Kabiyesi, please forgive me,” Igboho said.

The activist further revealed that while in detention in Benin Republic, he was shocked to learn that the Ooni had played a key role in efforts to secure his release despite his earlier criticisms. He appealed to the monarch to use his influence in removing his name from the security watchlist and facilitating the unfreezing of his bank accounts.

“I beg you to help remove my name from the wanted list and to assist in unfreezing my 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 pleaded.

In their remarks, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, commended Igboho’s humility, assuring him that Yoruba monarchs had forgiven him. They expressed confidence that the Ooni would intervene to address his challenges.

Responding, the Ooni declared that he bore no grudge against Igboho, describing him as a “brilliant and courageous son of Yorubaland” whose struggles were rooted in the collective welfare of his people.

“One thing I know is that patience and humility always prevail. Many insulted me when matters got tough, but I kept smiling because I understood. I met privately with former President Muhammadu Buhari several times about your case. I thank God you are alive today,” Ooni said.

The monarch assured that steps would be taken to address Igboho’s demands, particularly his security status and financial restrictions.

“You are my son and I am not angry with you. You are a pride to the Yoruba race. Some said I should not 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,” the Ooni added.

The reconciliatory meeting is seen as a significant turning point in Yoruba socio-political affairs, symbolizing unity and paving the way for Igboho’s reintegration into mainstream advocacy for the security and progress of the Yoruba nation.

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