Yoruba activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared that his campaign for independence will now be called the Oodua Nation, not Yoruba Nation. Igboho made the announcement on Saturday during a visit to the Ooni of Ifẹ̀, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. He said the word “Yorùbá” is tied mainly to Oyo history and does not fully represent the entire people of Kóòtù Ojíre. According to him, “Oodua” better captures the identity of all descendants of Odùduwà.
The activist apologised publicly to the Ooni for earlier comments seen as disrespectful. Prostrating before the monarch, he admitted regret after learning it was the Ooni who had intervened to secure his release from detention in Benin Republic.
After the meeting, Igboho toured the Onirisa Museum inside the palace, led by the Ooni’s media aide, Otunba Moses Olafare. He was shown artifacts and historical exhibits tied to the origins of Yorùbá civilisation.
Igboho declares Oodua Nation in a viral vídeo
Speaking to reporters, Igboho explained that he initially embraced the “Yorùbá Nation” label only to align with other agitators. “Left to me, I would have used Oodua Nation from the beginning,” he said. He also appealed for peace and cooperation among Yorùbá monarchs, stressing that unity was essential for the future.
The Ooni described Igboho as a courageous son of Yorubaland and said he bore no grudge against him. He pledged support for clearing the activist’s name from security watchlists and unfreezing his bank accounts.
The Ooni of Ifẹ̀ also pledged to continue working for the unity of the Yorùbá people both in Nigeria and across the diaspora. He stressed that the priority at this time is reconciliation and collective progress, not grievances or divisions. According to him, only unity can guarantee the preservation of Yorùbá culture and the strength of the Oodua identity.
The visit was seen as a reconciliation move and a turning point in the self-determination struggle, with Igboho repositioning the movement under the banner of Oodua Nation.
