Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has expressed gratitude to traditional rulers across the southwest for their unwavering support following the July 1, 2021, invasion of his residence in Soka, Ibadan, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Igboho spoke during a visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, at his palace in Owo, Ondo State, where he described the solidarity of Yoruba monarchs as a source of strength in his ongoing campaign for justice and self-determination.
The 2021 raid, which was carried out in the dead of night, led to the deaths of two people and the arrest of 13 of his aides. Igboho himself narrowly escaped the operation, which sparked nationwide debate about state security tactics and the wider agitation for Yoruba self-determination.
Reflecting on the incident, Igboho said it underscored the growing wave of violence and insecurity in the region. “That night showed the level of violence we face in our land,” he said. “But the support of our traditional leaders has given me courage. Their solidarity reminds me that the struggle for justice and peace is not mine alone.”
The activist urged Yoruba monarchs to continue speaking out on issues of security and equity, adding that their cultural authority makes them central to protecting the interests of their people. “Our kings are the custodians of our heritage. Their voices carry weight, and their backing has been a shield for us in these difficult times,” he noted.
Welcoming Igboho to his palace, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye, stressed the importance of dialogue and unity in confronting the challenges facing the southwest. The monarch said the role of traditional rulers was not only symbolic but also practical in guiding communities through turbulent times. “We must all work together to protect our people and ensure peace in our land,” the Olowo said.
Igboho’s visit to Owo is part of a broader round of consultations with prominent Yoruba leaders as he seeks to re-establish his presence in the region after years of exile and legal battles abroad. Since his return, he has maintained that the Yoruba nation struggle is not about violence but about justice, security, and fairness within Nigeria.
Political observers see Igboho’s renewed engagements with traditional rulers as an attempt to rebuild trust and reposition himself in the evolving conversation about federalism, security, and regional autonomy. Analysts also note that the continued backing of Yoruba monarchs strengthens his influence, especially as insecurity in parts of the southwest remains a pressing concern for residents.
For many of his supporters, Igboho’s survival and return symbolize resilience in the face of state pressure. His critics, however, warn that agitation must be carefully managed to avoid worsening tensions in the country.
As he continues his visits to palaces and cultural institutions, Igboho insists that his message remains the same: protecting Yoruba lives and ensuring that justice and fairness are upheld in Nigeria.
