Sunday Igboho Appeals To Ooni of Ife For Intervention Over Wanted Status And Frozen Accounts.
Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has sought the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to secure his removal from the Federal Government’s wanted list and to unfreeze his bank accounts. During a visit to the Ile-Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife on Saturday, 23 August 2025, Igboho, accompanied by a large entourage, apologised for past verbal attacks against the monarch and pleaded for assistance in resolving his legal and financial challenges.
Igboho was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in July 2021, following allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition amid his campaign for Yoruba self-determination. His bank accounts remain frozen, severely restricting his financial freedom. Addressing the Ooni, Igboho expressed regret for his earlier remarks, saying, “I want you to forgive and forget whatever wrong I have done. You are my father, and I know you have forgiven me by this warm reception.” He urged the monarch to intercede with President Bola Tinubu to clear his name and lift the embargo on his accounts, stating, “I am still on the Federal Government’s wanted list, and my accounts are frozen. I believe you are the one who can help me.”
The activist, who recently returned to Nigeria after years in exile in Benin Republic, also reaffirmed his commitment to tackling insecurity in Yorubaland. He highlighted the growing threat of kidnappings and criminality, pledging to mobilise efforts to flush out criminals hiding in the region’s forests. “The insecurity in the North is creeping into Yorubaland. I want you to send us into the forest. We have the capacity to protect our people,” Igboho declared, emphasising that the Ooni is the “head of all monarchs in Nigeria.”
In response, Oba Ogunwusi praised Igboho’s dedication to the Yoruba cause and assured him of support. “Some of you have abused me in the past, but I never took it to heart. You are my child, and Ile-Ife is your home,” the monarch said. He promised to explore avenues to assist Igboho in resolving his status on the wanted list and the restrictions on his accounts, adding, “We will work to ensure your name is removed. No one wants peace and development in Yorubaland more than I do.”
Igboho’s appeal follows similar requests made to other traditional leaders, including the Olugbon of Orile Igbon in July 2025, where he expressed frustration at being unable to move freely in Nigeria or access his assets. The Yoruba Self-Determination Movement has also called for his name to be cleared, describing his restrictions as “unjust and politically motivated.” The group argued that Igboho’s activism was driven by a desire to protect Yoruba communities from violence and kidnapping.
The Ooni’s pledge to support Igboho signals a potential turning point in the activist’s quest for reintegration into Nigerian society. As he continues to advocate for improved security in the South-West, his appeal to traditional leaders underscores their influential role in mediating between citizens and the government. With the Ooni’s backing, Igboho’s push to clear his name and restore his financial standing may gain significant momentum.
