Sunday Igboho Seeks Olubadan’s Intervention Over Frozen Bank Accounts

Yoruba nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene in the freezing of his bank accounts by the Federal Government. Igboho made this request during a private visit to the monarch at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Monday, where the two held a 40-minute closed-door meeting.

According to a statement released by Igboho’s media office on Wednesday, the discussion with Oba Ladoja revolved around key issues affecting the South-West, particularly the growing insecurity, recent bandit attacks in parts of Kwara State, and Igboho’s ongoing challenges with the Federal Government. The statement revealed that the Olubadan assured Igboho of his intervention, especially concerning his designation as a wanted person and the embargo placed on his financial accounts, which has affected his personal and business activities.

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Igboho’s visit came at a time when the South-West continues to grapple with insecurity, with communities facing increasing threats from bandits and suspected herders. For years, Igboho has positioned himself as a defender of Yoruba interests, often clashing with federal authorities over his outspoken calls for regional security and self-determination.

In his remarks during the visit, Igboho congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne of Olubadan, describing him as a respected leader with influence across Ibadan and the entire Yoruba nation. He stressed that Ladoja’s reign would strengthen unity and peace among the Yoruba people while deepening development in the ancient city of Ibadan and beyond.

“Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as governor. His reign will no doubt promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and Yorubaland,” Igboho said. He also used the opportunity to reaffirm his readiness to work with the Federal Government in addressing the issue of insecurity, noting that dialogue and cooperation were essential for lasting peace in the region.

The call for intervention is significant given the background of Igboho’s long-standing issues with federal authorities. In July 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), in conjunction with the Nigerian Army, raided his residence in Soka, Ibadan. The operation left two of his aides dead, while 13 others were arrested. Security officials at the time accused Igboho of stockpiling arms, an allegation he vehemently denied. The raid forced him into exile, during which he sought refuge in neighboring Benin Republic before later regaining his freedom.

Since then, his name has remained associated with agitation for Yoruba self-determination, though in recent times he has shifted his stance towards promoting security and peace in the region. His appeal to the Olubadan is widely seen as part of his broader attempt to mend relations with Nigerian authorities and reintegrate into national discourse without compromising his advocacy for Yoruba interests.

The freezing of his bank accounts has been one of the lingering battles between him and the Federal Government. For Igboho, this measure has not only affected his financial stability but also symbolized the broader attempt to silence his activism. By seeking the intervention of the Olubadan, a revered traditional ruler and political figure, Igboho hopes to secure a pathway toward resolution.

Oba Ladoja, who himself is a former governor of Oyo State and a respected elder statesman in Yorubaland, is believed to wield significant influence both at the grassroots and within national politics. His intervention, therefore, could serve as a bridge between Igboho and the government, possibly leading to a reconsideration of some of the sanctions placed on him.

Political analysts believe Igboho’s renewed willingness to work with the Federal Government could be strategic, especially as Nigeria navigates complex security challenges. His grassroots popularity in the South-West makes him a significant voice in regional affairs, and his collaboration with security agencies could help in addressing the menace of banditry, kidnappings, and farmer-herder clashes that have plagued the zone.

Moreover, his recognition of the Olubadan’s leadership reflects the deep respect for traditional institutions within Yoruba culture. By reaching out to the monarch, Igboho is not only seeking intervention but also affirming the role of traditional rulers as custodians of peace and mediators in times of political or social conflict.

While it remains unclear how the Federal Government will respond to this latest move, Igboho’s outreach to the Olubadan suggests a possible softening of his earlier radical stance. It may also indicate a strategic repositioning ahead of future political and social developments in Nigeria, particularly with the 2027 general elections on the horizon.

For now, Igboho’s fate rests partly on the outcome of the Olubadan’s intervention. If successful, it could pave the way for him to fully reintegrate into Nigeria’s socio-political space while continuing his advocacy for Yoruba welfare and security. If not, his struggles with the Federal Government may persist, keeping him at the center of regional and national debates on activism, justice, and security.

At the heart of this episode lies the broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria. As Igboho rightly pointed out, the safety of citizens should be the priority of any government. His readiness to collaborate with federal authorities, coupled with the Olubadan’s influence, could serve as a turning point in both his personal battle and the collective fight for a safer South-West.