Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, paid a courtesy and thanksgiving visit on Monday to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, following the removal of his name from the Federal Government’s list of wanted persons.

The visit, which took place at the monarch’s Bodija residence in Ibadan, marked Igboho’s gradual reintegration into Nigeria after years in exile and underscored the quiet, diplomatic role of traditional institutions in resolving the protracted impasse.

Igboho’s return followed the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to lift the restrictions placed on him after sustained interventions by prominent Yoruba monarchs and community leaders, who appealed for a peaceful resolution in the interest of regional stability.

It is recalled that the previous administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari declared Igboho wanted in 2021 and froze his bank accounts over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. On July 1, 2021, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by soldiers, raided his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, killing two of his aides and arresting 13 others. The incident forced Igboho into exile and heightened tensions across parts of the South-West.

Sources close to the reconciliation process said the Olubadan played a central role in engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders, offering guidance and advocating dialogue to ensure a dignified and non-confrontational outcome.

Receiving Igboho and his supporters, Oba Ladoja stressed that patience, dialogue, and mutual understanding remained the most effective tools for resolving disputes. He urged all parties to avoid actions that could threaten peace in Yorubaland and the country at large.

“Traditional rulers are custodians of peace. Our duty is to intervene when tensions are rising,” the monarch said. “Where there is life, there is hope. Every challenge comes with lessons, and wisdom lies in learning from them.”

He urged Igboho to conduct himself responsibly and to seize the opportunity for a fresh start. “You now have another opportunity. Use it well. Promote peace and allow dialogue to guide your actions,” Oba Ladoja added.

In his response, Igboho expressed deep appreciation to the Olubadan for his support throughout his ordeal. He described the monarch’s intervention as fatherly and timely.

“I thank God for knowing Kabiyesi. I never imagined he would be among those who would help me out of this problem. He stood by me when it mattered most,” Igboho said.

He added that his freedom had brought relief to Yoruba people at home and in the diaspora, noting that many had celebrated his return.

The Olubadan also offered prayers for Igboho and his family, wishing him good health, wisdom, and peace of mind, and urging him to allow the chapter to close in harmony and reconciliation.