Igboho Begs Ooni: Please Ask Tinubu to Take Me Off Wanted List

By: Oluwaseun Lawal

At the Ooni’s palace in Ile-Ife, it was a bit emotional. The activist of the Yoruba Nation, Sunday Igboho, visit the palace with a crowd of friends and supporters. First thing, he apologized to the Ooni—said sorry for all the harsh words in the past. “You’re my father,” he said. “I know you’ve forgiven me already, just by letting me in.”

But Igboho didn’t just come to say sorry. He had a big ask. He wants the Ooni to help him out, to talk to President Tinubu. “Please, help me get my name off the government’s wanted list,” he pleaded. “My accounts are frozen too. I can’t even access my money. Only you can help me with this.” You could tell he was really hoping for a lifeline.

He talked about his struggles. How he’s still being hunted by the government since 2021, after the DSS accused him of stockpiling arms. He said even other kings told him, “Go see the Ooni, he’s the one who can help.” So here he was, asking for help, face to face.

Igboho also spoke about security in the South-West. He said he’s ready to go into the forests, flush out kidnappers, protect the people. “We’re not slaves,” he said. “We can defend ourselves.” He even got a bit emotional, remembering how the Ooni once honored him at a summit, even after all the insults. “I cried that day,” he admitted.

The Ooni listened. He smiled, forgave him, called him brave. “You’re my child,” the Ooni said. “I’m not angry. I’ll help you. We’ll work to get your name off that list.” He also told Igboho to stay away from trouble, to focus on peace. “Fighting won’t help Yorubaland,” he said. “Let’s find solutions, not more problems.”

So, for now, Igboho waits. Hoping the Ooni’s words will reach Tinubu. Sometimes, all you can ask is hoping for a second chance.