Sunday Igboho reconciles with the Ooni of Ife in a historic visit, receiving forgiveness and support to resolve security and financial issues
Sunday Igboho was formally forgiven by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, during a historic reconciliation visit to the Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday.
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The ceremony, attended by prominent Yoruba monarchs, traditional chiefs, and a large crowd of supporters, marked a significant step toward healing past tensions between the activist and the revered monarch.
Visibly emotional, Igboho prostrated before the Ooni and offered an unreserved apology for his past remarks. “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,” he said.
He urged forgiveness from anyone he had wronged, noting the respect due to a monarch: “A man may abuse a king in his absence, but no one insults a monarch to his face. Kabiyesi, please forgive me.”
The activist revealed that during his imprisonment in the Benin Republic, he learned that the Ooni had played a pivotal role in efforts to secure his release, despite his previous criticisms.
Igboho also appealed for intervention to lift his name from the security watchlist and unfreeze his bank accounts, emphasizing his commitment to protecting Yorubaland: “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.”
Supporting the reconciliation, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, praised Igboho’s humility and affirmed that Yoruba traditional rulers had forgiven him. They expressed confidence that the Ooni would address his concerns.
In his remarks, the Ooni embraced Igboho as a “brilliant and courageous son of Yorubaland,” noting that his activism is motivated by 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 Ooni said.
The monarch assured Igboho that steps would be taken to resolve his security status and frozen accounts. “You are my son, and I harbour no anger against you.
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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,” he concluded.
