The appearance of Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, in a cap bearing the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has sparked heated debate across social media.
Igboho was seen wearing the APC-branded cap during the first Ramadan lecture hosted by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasheed Ladoja, after his coronation. The event took place in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday.
In a now-viral video, Igboho was seen greeting the monarch and the guest lecturer, the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh Muyideen Salmon, while dressed in traditional attire and the APC cap.
The development has triggered mixed reactions, with many Nigerians questioning whether the long-time Yoruba nation campaigner is aligning with the ruling party.
Soon after the video surfaced online, users began sharing their opinions.
One user, identified as #Jaythrilli, wrote briefly, “Sunday Igboho!!!” suggesting shock and disbelief.
Another user posted, “Today, Sunday Igboho is jumping around with the APC cartel. Remember that they promised Nnamdi Kanu a political position to win him over; he rejected it. My respect for MNK has doubled.”
Others were more cautious. A user named Adeola Adebayo wrote, “Let’s not jump to conclusions. It was a Ramadan lecture, not a political rally. Maybe it was just a cap.”
Another commenter, Tunde Writes, said, “If Sunday Igboho joins APC tomorrow, will the Yoruba nation struggle end? People should wait for him to speak before attacking him.”
However, some supporters of the Yoruba nation cause expressed disappointment. One user, @OmoOduduwa, posted, “We followed you because you stood for self-determination. Wearing APC cap sends a wrong message.”
The incident has also revived comparisons between Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in detention facing trial.
Sunday Igboho rose to prominence in 2020 and 2021 during heightened tensions in parts of the South-West over insecurity and clashes between farmers and suspected armed herdsmen.
He became known for issuing eviction notices to alleged criminal elements in some Yoruba communities, accusing them of involvement in kidnappings and killings.
On July 1, 2021, his residence in Ibadan was raided by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army. Authorities accused him of stockpiling arms and ammunition.
During the raid, three of his aides were reportedly killed, and 13 others were arrested.
Igboho fled Nigeria shortly after the incident. On July 19, 2021, he was arrested at Cotonou Airport in the Benin Republic while attempting to travel to Germany.
He was detained in Benin for over a year before being released in March 2022.
Under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Igboho was declared wanted. He was denied a Nigerian passport and had his bank accounts frozen, despite some court rulings in his favour.
Since his release, he has remained largely outside Nigeria.
In 2025, during a visit to the palace of the Olugbon of Orile Igbon in Oyo State, Igboho openly expressed frustration about living in exile.
He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove his name from the list of wanted persons and allow him return home freely.
According to his spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, several prominent Yoruba monarchs have intervened on his behalf.
Those said to have played key roles include the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Francis Alao.
Koiki stated that arrangements have been concluded for Igboho’s return to Nigeria after these monarchs reportedly persuaded President Tinubu to remove his name from the wanted list.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the Federal Government regarding this claim.
The sight of Igboho wearing an APC cap has raised questions about whether there is a political understanding behind efforts to clear his status.
Some observers argue that Igboho’s appearance at a royal and religious event should not automatically be interpreted as a political endorsement.
Others believe the timing is sensitive, especially as conversations about his possible return to Nigeria continue.
For many supporters of the Yoruba nation movement, the struggle has been about regional autonomy and security. Any perceived closeness to the ruling party may create confusion among followers.
As debate continues online, Igboho has not issued a formal statement explaining the reason for wearing the APC-branded cap.
Supporters say it is important to wait for clarification rather than rely on speculation.
Meanwhile, the event itself — a Ramadan lecture hosted by the Olubadan was meant to promote unity, reflection and spiritual growth.
The controversy has once again placed Sunday Igboho at the centre of national attention.
Whether the incident signals a shift in his political direction or was simply a casual choice of attire remains unclear.
