Yoruba Activist Igboho urges Nnamdi Kanu to ‘sheath’ sword, seeks negotiation with FG

Foremost Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho, has urged the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, to pursue peaceful dialogue with the Federal Government to resolve his ongoing legal and political challenges.

Commending the End of Sit-at-Home Order

In a statement released on Friday and signed by his lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, Igboho praised Kanu for officially calling off the Monday sit-at-home order that has disrupted the South-East region for the past five years.

“Chief Sunday Adeyemo commends Mazi Kanu for ending the five-year Monday economic shutdown across the South-East,” the statement read. “This decision is a thoughtful step toward restoring stability in the region.”

Advocating Dialogue with the Government

Beyond the cancellation of the civil disobedience directive, Igboho urged Kanu to explore negotiations and mediation with the federal authorities.

He suggested that such engagement could break the deadlock surrounding Kanu’s legal ordeal.

“Chief Igboho believes that dialogue and formal talks with the government could pave the way for a peaceful resolution, benefiting both parties and the region,” the statement added.

Optimism for Presidential Receptiveness

Igboho expressed confidence that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is open to negotiation.

He emphasized that a peaceful resolution is achievable if both sides approach discussions in good faith.

“While the right to self-determination remains fundamental for Mazi Kanu, the administration is predisposed to negotiation for the peace, security, and prosperity that the South-East deserves,” the statement said.

Warning Against Profiting from Unrest

The statement also criticized those allegedly benefiting from violence and instability in the South-East.

Igboho called for an end to the “desecration” of the region to allow economic recovery.

“Chief Igboho urges all who profit from the unrest to desist, in the interest of peace and economic prosperity for both the South-East and the nation,” it read.

Sunday Igboho’s remarks signal a growing call for unity among prominent ethnic activists.

The Monday sit-at-home was first declared by IPOB in August 2021, following Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and subsequent detention.

During the shutdowns, markets, schools, and offices in the South-East remained closed.

Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences on November 20, 2025, receiving a life sentence, which his family has vowed to appeal.

He is currently serving his sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Centre.