By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
Foremost Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has urged the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to prioritise dialogue with the Federal Government as a pathway to resolving his protracted legal and political challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho commended Kanu for formally cancelling the Monday sit-at-home order that had been observed across the South-East for five years.
He described the decision as a bold and necessary step toward restoring economic stability and social normalcy in the region.
“Chief Sunday Adeyemo wishes to commend the detained leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on his recent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East zone of Nigeria,” the statement read.
“Chief Igboho believes that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful.”
Beyond ending the weekly protest, Igboho called for a strategic shift from confrontation to constructive engagement, urging the IPOB leader to explore diplomatic channels and mediation with the Federal Government.
“Chief Igboho urges the IPOB leader to vigorously explore dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in his ordeal,” the statement added.
The Yoruba activist expressed optimism that the administration of Bola Tinubu would be open to meaningful engagement, arguing that a peaceful resolution remains achievable if both sides act in good faith.
“While it is the fundamental right of Mazi Kanu to pursue self-determination, Chief Igboho believes that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is predisposed to negotiation and mutual understanding for the peace, shared prosperity, security and the deserved respect that the South-East commands,” the statement said.
Igboho also condemned individuals and groups allegedly profiting from violence and instability in the region, warning that continued unrest would only deepen economic hardship.
“Chief Igboho also urges all those who make profits from the desecration and despoliation of the South-East through violence to desist from such acts in the interest of peace and economic prosperity of the region and the nation,” the statement added.
His intervention signals a rare moment of convergence between two prominent ethnic agitators, highlighting a growing call for negotiation and peaceful resolution in addressing regional grievances.
IPOB declared the Monday sit-at-home in August 2021 to protest Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and subsequent detention. During the weekly action, markets, schools, banks and public offices across parts of the South-East remained shut, with significant economic consequences.
Kanu was convicted on terrorism-related charges on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment. His family rejected the verdict and announced plans to appeal.
Following his sentencing, he was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre after the court ruled that the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja was not suitable for his continued detention.
