Igboho Seeks Olubadan Ladoja’s Intervention Over Frozen Bank Accounts

Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to intervene in the challenges he continues to face with the Federal Government, particularly the freezing of his bank accounts.

Igboho, who has been at the center of Yoruba self-determination struggles in recent years, visited the Olubadan at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Monday. He was accompanied by loyal supporters during the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes.

Igboho’s Meeting With Ladoja

According to a statement released by Igboho’s media office on Wednesday, discussions with Oba Ladoja revolved around pressing security concerns in the South-West, including persistent banditry and recent attacks in parts of Kwara State. The statement also noted that the dialogue touched on Igboho’s ongoing disputes with the Federal Government.

“The Olubadan promised to intervene on the challenges faced by Igboho, including his designation as a wanted person and the embargo placed on his bank accounts,” the statement read.

Sunday Igboho congratulated Ladoja on his ascension to the throne of Olubadan, describing him as a leader widely respected in Ibadan and across Yorubaland. He also expressed his readiness to work with both traditional and political authorities to promote security and peace in the region.

“Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his time as governor. His reign will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and Yorubaland,” Igboho added.

Background: Igboho’s Clash With Federal Authorities

Sunday Igboho gained national and international attention in 2020 and 2021 during his campaigns against killer herdsmen and banditry in the South-West. He accused armed groups of terrorizing farming communities and demanded stronger protection for Yoruba people.

His activism escalated in July 2021, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), supported by soldiers, raided his Soka residence in Ibadan. During the raid, two of his aides were killed while 13 others were arrested. Igboho, who was accused of stockpiling weapons and plotting to destabilize Nigeria, fled the country shortly after. He was later arrested in Benin Republic while attempting to travel to Germany and spent months in detention before regaining freedom under strict conditions.

Since then, Igboho has repeatedly complained about restrictions imposed on him by Nigerian authorities, including the freezing of his personal and business bank accounts. His visit to Ladoja is seen as part of wider efforts to reconcile with the government and seek the support of Yoruba traditional institutions.

The Larger Security Question

The meeting also underscored the growing insecurity in parts of the South-West. Attacks in rural communities of Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, and Kwara states have heightened calls for regional security arrangements such as Amotekun to be strengthened.

Analysts believe Igboho’s renewed engagement with traditional rulers could be an attempt to reposition himself, not only as a political agitator but as a community leader willing to collaborate with both state and federal structures.

Symbolism of Ladoja’s Role

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, commands significant respect in Yoruba politics and traditional leadership. His willingness to intervene in Igboho’s case could mark a turning point in the activist’s strained relationship with federal authorities.

Observers note that if Ladoja succeeds in negotiating relief for Igboho, particularly on the matter of frozen accounts, it could pave the way for broader reconciliation between the Yoruba self-determination movement and the Nigerian government.

For now, Sunday Igboho remains a controversial figure. While many in the South-West regard him as a defender of Yoruba interests, others accuse him of promoting division. His future role in regional politics may depend heavily on whether leaders like Ladoja can broker peace and secure concessions from Abuja.