Yoruba Nation agitator Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has recounted how the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, supported him during his period of detention and exile, following his removal from the Federal Government’s wanted list.
Igboho made the disclosure on Monday while paying a courtesy and thanksgiving visit to the monarch at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, shortly after his name was officially delisted.
His removal from the wanted list followed a decision by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, after interventions by respected Yoruba traditional rulers.
Igboho had earlier been declared wanted under the government of late President Muhammadu Buhari, which also ordered the freezing of his bank accounts over allegations of arms stockpiling.
On July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by soldiers, raided Igboho’s residence in Soka, Ibadan, resulting in the deaths of two of his aides and the arrest of 13 others. The incident forced him to flee the country.
The Olubadan was said to have played a crucial role behind the scenes, offering guidance and engaging relevant authorities to ensure a peaceful and dignified resolution in the interest of unity and stability.
Receiving Igboho and his supporters, Oba Ladoja stressed that dialogue and patience remain the best tools for conflict resolution, urging restraint and warning against actions capable of undermining peace in Yorubaland and Nigeria.
Speaking during the visit, Igboho expressed deep gratitude to the monarch, saying he never imagined the Olubadan would stand firmly by him during his ordeal. He added that his freedom had brought relief to Yoruba people both at home and in the diaspora.
The monarch later offered prayers for Igboho and his family, advising him to act responsibly and use the opportunity to promote peace, unity and dialogue, while reminding him of the role of traditional rulers as custodians of peace.
0 Comments