The Arole Odùduwà, Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Saturday received Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
In a remarkable show of reconciliation, the foremost Yoruba monarch pardoned the activist, openly granting him royal forgiveness.
The visit, which electrified the ancient city, drew prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, palace chiefs, and a large crowd of supporters who thronged the palace to witness the historic moment.
Visibly emotional, Igboho prostrated before the Ooni and tendered an unreserved apology for his past remarks against the throne.
“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 insult a king to his face. Kabiyesi, please forgive me,” he pleaded.
The activist further disclosed that while in detention in the Republic of Benin, he was surprised to learn of the pivotal role played by the Ooni in facilitating his release, despite his earlier criticisms.
Appealing for further intervention, Igboho urged the Ooni to use his influence to clear his name from the security watchlist and to ensure the unfreezing of his 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 beg you to help remove my name from the wanted list and to assist in unfreezing my accounts. I need your support to make this possible,” he said.
Speaking at the gathering, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, commended Igboho for demonstrating humility. They affirmed that Yoruba monarchs had forgiven him and expressed confidence in the Ooni’s capacity to help address his concerns.
Responding, the Ooni described Igboho as a brilliant and courageous son of Yorubaland whose struggles, he emphasized, were driven not by selfish motives but by the collective interest of the Yoruba 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,” the monarch revealed.
Reassuring Igboho, the Ooni pledged that all efforts would be made to resolve his lingering challenges.
“You are my son and I am not angry with you. You are a pride to the Yoruba race. Some advised me not to 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,” he declared.
The visit has been widely interpreted as a significant step towards healing divisions within Yorubaland and reinforcing the role of the Ooni as custodian of unity across the Yoruba nation.