Foremost Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has appealed to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to embrace dialogue and diplomatic engagement with the Federal Government to resolve his legal and political challenges.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by his counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho praised Kanu for officially cancelling the Monday sit-at-home order observed across the South-East for the past five years.
He described the decision as a positive step capable of restoring stability and easing economic disruption in the region.
“Chief Sunday Adeyemo wishes to commend the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on his recent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East zone of Nigeria,” the statement read.
Igboho noted that ending the weekly protest was a thoughtful move, describing the sit-at-home as a “five-year Monday economic siege” on the South-East.
Beyond the cancellation, the Yoruba activist urged Kanu to adopt a more diplomatic approach by seeking a middle ground through formal talks and mediation 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.
Igboho also expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s administration would be open to negotiation, stating that peace and mutual understanding could be achieved if both sides engage sincerely.
“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,” he said.
The statement further warned individuals and groups allegedly benefiting from violence and unrest in the South-East to desist, stressing the need for peace and economic recovery.
“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,” it added.
Igboho’s intervention is seen as a notable show of solidarity between two prominent ethnic agitators, as both continue to push for self-determination while calling for non-violent approaches.
The sit-at-home was declared by the pro-Biafran group in August 2021 in protest against Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his subsequent detention.
During the weekly action, markets, banks, schools and government offices were often shut down across the South-East.
Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences on November 20, 2025, and sentenced to life imprisonment. His family rejected the verdict and vowed to appeal.
Following the judgment, he was transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre to serve his sentence after the court ruled that the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja was not suitable for him.
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