Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has declared his readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government to flush out bandits and other criminal elements from forests across the South-West.

Adeyemo, who spoke with Saturday PUNCH in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday, stated that he and his supporters were prepared to enter forests in Yorubaland if granted approval and support by the Federal Government.

“I need the support of the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South-West. I’m ready to enter the forests in Yorubaland with my boys to flush out terrorists who have been attacking our people in rural communities.

“We can’t do anything if the Federal Government does not give us approval or support. With my freedom and pardon, I am ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to rid our forests of criminal elements and rogue herders who have become threats to the peace and tranquility of some of our communities,” he added.

Adeyemo has been a vocal voice against banditry in the South-West, and has on different occasions led operations to chase away suspected bandits from some areas in Oyo State.

Igboho’s offer marks a notable shift from his earlier confrontations with the federal authorities.

In July 2021, his residence in Ibadan was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army over allegations of stockpiling arms and ammunition. Three of his aides were killed during the operation, while 13 others were arrested.

He subsequently fled the country and was arrested at Cotonou Airport in the Benin Republic on July 19, 2021, while attempting to travel to Germany. He was detained for over a year before regaining freedom in March 2022.

In 2025, during a visit to the Olugbon Palace in Orile Igbon, Surulere Local Government of Oyo State, Adeyemo appealed to President Bola Tinubu to remove his name from the wanted list, expressing frustration over his time in exile.

Following his return to Nigeria on January 26, 2026, he paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Rashidi Ladoja, and disclosed that traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Francis Alao, played key roles in facilitating his return.

Reiterating his readiness to support security efforts, Adeyemo said he possessed the manpower to assist in safeguarding rural communities.

“If the Federal Government under the leadership of President Tinubu gives us the go-ahead and support, I am absolutely ready to work in ensuring the effective security of our rural communities in the South-West. We have the capacity and manpower to carry out the task if we get approval and support from the government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Igboho has also urged the jailed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to prioritise diplomatic engagement with the Federal Government to resolve his case.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by his counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho commended Kanu for his recent decision to officially cancel the Monday sit-at-home order that has impacted the South-East for five years.

Igboho described the move to end the weekly protest as a necessary step toward restoring the region’s stability.

The statement read, “Chief Sunday Adeyemo wishes to commend the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on his recent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East zone of Nigeria.

“Igboho believes that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful.”

Beyond the cancellation of the civil disobedience order, Igboho advocated a shift in strategy, urging Kanu to seek a middle ground through formal talks with the current administration.

“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 activist expressed optimism that the Tinubu administration would be receptive to such overtures, suggesting that a peaceful resolution is within reach if both parties engage 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 deserved respect that the South-East commands,” he said.

Igboho also took a sharp tone against individuals or groups benefiting from the unrest in the South-East, warning that the “desecration” of the region must end to allow for economic recovery. (PUNCH)