The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, pledging to intervene in the challenges surrounding the activist.
The meeting, which took place on Monday and lasted for about 40 minutes, was confirmed in a statement released by Igboho’s media office and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
According to the statement, discussions during the parley centered on insecurity in the South West region and the rising threats of bandit attacks in some parts of Kwara State. Sources at the meeting disclosed that Oba Ladoja, who warmly received Igboho and his supporters, promised to wade into issues affecting the activist, including his declaration as wanted by the Federal Government and the embargo placed on his bank accounts.
It will be recalled that the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2021 declared Igboho wanted, accusing him of stockpiling arms and ammunition. On July 1 of the same year, operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), supported by the Nigerian Army, stormed Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, killing two of his aides and arresting 13 others. His accounts were subsequently frozen.
During the meeting, Igboho congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension to the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a leader deeply respected across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond. He pledged his willingness to cooperate with the Federal Government in promoting peace and ensuring the security of the South West, stressing that no meaningful development could thrive in the absence of stability.
“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. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland,” Igboho said.
