Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Saturday, 23rd of August 2025, visited Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife at the Ile Oodua Palace, where he tendered an unreserved apology and sought the monarch’s intervention in his travails.
Speaking at the palace, Igboho admitted that he had previously spoken harshly against the Ooni but had now come to openly prostrate and seek forgiveness. “It is possible to abuse a Deity behind him but impossible to abuse him in his presence. I have come before the authority of Oduduwa to apologize with the same mouth I once used wrongly,” he declared.
He described Ooni as the true head of the Yoruba race, adding that no king, including the Alaafin, could dictate to or speak against the Arole Oduduwa.
Recalling his maternal roots in Ile-Ife, Igboho noted that his mother’s family once served Ooni Adesoji Aderemi. He said several people, including family members and Yoruba monarchs, had urged him to reconcile with the Ooni, whom he described as his “father and defender” even while he was wanted by the Nigerian government.
While appealing for forgiveness from all he might have offended, Igboho urged the Ooni to intervene in having his name removed from the security watchlist, his bank accounts unfrozen, and for him to be given a role in strengthening the Amotekun security outfit He said, “If you want to arrest me, arrest me with Arole Oduduwa. Whoever says I am not Yoruba should look at my tribal marks. I am a typical son of Oduduwa.”
In their goodwill remarks, traditional rulers present praised Igboho’s humility and pleaded with the Ooni to grant his requests. The Ata of Ayede-Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul-Mumini Orisagbemi, said he once criticized the Ooni until he came to understand his humility and perseverance. The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, His Royal Majesty Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, described the Ooni as a “dunghill that accommodates all” and appealed to him on Igboho’s behalf, saying his freedom would strengthen Yoruba resistance against terrorists.
Responding, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II said he bore no grudges against Igboho or his followers despite past criticisms. “I understand you all very well, it was tough then. I can never be angry. God endowed Sunday Igboho with brilliance and exposure. He is not fighting for himself but for the Yoruba race,” the monarch stated.
Ooni prayed for Igboho and his supporters, assuring them that their cause was noble but urging patience as national leadership under President Bola Tinubu works to rebuild the country. “Know that what you are fighting for is good, but patience is required. With peaceful coexistence, all your requests will be achieved,” the Arole Oduduwa concluded.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
Ile-Ife.
