The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Saturday as Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, paid a historic visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

During the visit, Igboho tendered an unreserved apology to the monarch, publicly seeking forgiveness for past comments he admitted were disrespectful.

The event, which drew prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, chiefs, and supporters of the embattled activist, was marked by emotional moments as Igboho expressed deep remorse.

“I thank God for my life and for this day. I never knew Kabiyesi would honour me in this manner. I have offended the Ooni in the past, and I am here to seek his forgiveness. Whoever I may have offended should please forgive me,” he said.

Igboho revealed that while in detention in the Benin Republic, he was astonished to learn that Oba Ogunwusi had played a key role in efforts that secured his release despite his earlier criticisms of the monarch.

He further appealed to the Ooni to use his influence to clear his name from the security watchlist and facilitate the unfreezing of his bank accounts. “My priority remains the security of Yorubaland. Our people are being killed, and we cannot continue like this. I want to use my strength and voice to champion the cause of Yoruba security. Kabiyesi, please help us to make this possible,” he pleaded.

In their goodwill messages, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Rasheed Olabomi, commended Igboho’s humility and assured him that Yoruba traditional rulers had forgiven him. They also expressed confidence that the Ooni would intervene to resolve his challenges.

Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi urged Igboho and his supporters to embrace patience and humility, describing them as the foundation of true leadership.

“One thing I have learnt is that a patient and humble person will always triumph. When many of you abused me, I smiled because I understood. I had several private meetings with former President Muhammadu Buhari concerning you, and I thank God you are alive today. It was not easy,” the monarch said.

Oba Ogunwusi also praised President Bola Tinubu for upholding the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos in his leadership, expressing optimism that his government would support causes dear to the Yoruba people.

“You are my son, and I am not angry with you. You are a pride to the Yoruba race. Some advised me against receiving you in Ife, but I told them what you are doing is not for yourself alone—it is for the good of our people. All issues concerning your name on the wanted list and your frozen bank accounts will be resolved. Let us put aside fights and unite for the progress of Yorubaland,” Ooni declared.