Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday “Igboho” Adeyemo paid a historic visit to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, on Saturday, stating that the security of the South-West region remained his priority.

Mr Adeyemo, whose visit to Ile-Ife drew the presence of prominent Yoruba traditional rulers, chiefs, and his supporters, decried the spate of insecurity in communities.

“My priority remains the security of Yorubaland. Our people are being killed, and we cannot continue like this,” said the activist.

He added, ”I want to use my strength and voice to champion the cause of Yoruba security. Kabiyesi, please help us to make this possible.”

Meanwhile, he tendered an unreserved apology to Mr Ogunwusi and sought the royal father’s forgiveness.

The occasion was marked by emotional moments as Mr Adeyemo admitted his past mistakes and publicly expressed remorse over comments he had previously made against the Ooni.

Addressing the gathering, the Yoruba Nation agitator said he had come to openly apologise, stressing that no one dared insult a royal father and that he deeply regretted his earlier utterances.

“I thank God for my life and for this day. I never knew Kabiyesi would honour me in this manner,” said Mr Adeyemo. “I have offended the Ooni in the past, and I am here to seek his forgiveness. Whoever I may have offended should please forgive me.”

The Yoruba nation agitator revealed that during his imprisonment in the Benin Republic, he was astonished to learn that the Ooni had played a pivotal role in securing his release, despite his earlier criticisms.

He further appealed to Mr Ogunwusi to use his influence to facilitate the removal of his name from the security watchlist and to help ensure the unfreezing of his bank accounts.

In their remarks, the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Abdulmumini Orisagbemi, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Rasheed Olabomi, commended Mr Adeyemo for showing humility.

They assured him that the Yoruba traditional rulers had forgiven him and expressed confidence that the Ooni would intervene to address his challenges.

Responding, the Ooni urged Mr Adeyemo and his supporters to embrace patience and humility, noting that those virtues remained the foundation of leadership.

“One thing I have learnt is that a patient and humble person will always triumph. When many of you abused me, I smiled because I understood.

” I had several private meetings with former President Muhammadu Buhari concerning you, and I thank God you are alive today. It was not easy,” the Ooni said.

The royal father also praised President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating the Yoruba Omoluabi ethos in his handling of national issues, expressing confidence that he would support causes dear to the Yoruba people.

 “You are my son, and I am not angry with you. You are a pride to the Yoruba race. Some advised me against receiving you in Ife, but I told them what you are doing is not for yourself alone.

“Let us put aside fights and unite for the progress of Yorubaland,” the Ooni declared.

(NAN)