The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, held a private meeting with Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at the monarch’s residence in Bodija, Ibadan. During the meeting, the traditional ruler pledged to intervene in the issues surrounding Igboho’s ongoing legal and political challenges.
Details of the meeting were shared in a statement issued by Igboho’s media office and distributed to journalists on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the meeting took place on Monday and lasted approximately 40 minutes. Discussions focused on security concerns in the South West and the rising activities of bandits in parts of Kwara State.
A source familiar with the meeting disclosed that Oba Ladoja welcomed Sunday Igboho and a group of his supporters to his residence. The monarch also reportedly assured the activist of his support regarding Igboho’s current situation, which includes his previous designation as a wanted person by the Federal Government and the freezing of his bank accounts.
The issues date back to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, under which Igboho was accused of allegedly stockpiling arms and ammunition. The Federal Government subsequently declared him wanted and placed restrictions on his financial assets.
On July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), accompanied by Nigerian Army personnel, raided Igboho’s residence in the Soka area of Ibadan. The operation resulted in the death of two of his aides and the arrest of 13 others.
During the meeting with Oba Ladoja, Igboho congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne and described him as “a leader deeply loved by people across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.”
He further stated his willingness to work with the Federal Government to improve security in the South West, emphasizing that “without peace and a secure environment, no meaningful development can thrive.”
Igboho acknowledged the traditional ruler’s continued support, saying, “Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.” He added that the monarch’s reign is expected to promote “peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland.”
