Sunday Igboho Advocates for Dialogue Between Nnamdi Kanu and Federal Government
Prominent Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has issued a public appeal to the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, urging him to embrace dialogue with the Federal Government as a means to address his ongoing legal and political challenges. This call was made in a formal statement released by Igboho's legal team on Friday, February 13, 2026, highlighting a potential path toward resolution in the contentious situation.
Commendation for Ending Sit-at-Home Orders
In the statement, Igboho specifically commended Nnamdi Kanu for his recent decision to officially cancel the Monday sit-at-home order that has severely impacted the South-East region of Nigeria for five consecutive years. He described this move as a thoughtful and necessary step toward restoring stability and economic activity in the area, which has suffered from prolonged disruptions due to the weekly protests.
The statement elaborated, "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. Chief Igboho believes that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful."
Call for Vigorous Dialogue and Mediation
Igboho emphasized the importance of pursuing dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in Kanu's ordeal. He expressed optimism that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would be receptive to such overtures, suggesting that a peaceful resolution is achievable if both parties engage in good faith and with mutual understanding.
"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 continued. It further noted, "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 the deserved respect that the South-East commands."
Caution Against Profiting from Unrest
Additionally, Igboho issued a caution to individuals and groups who may be benefiting from the violence and unrest in the South-East region. He urged them to desist from such acts in the interest of peace and economic prosperity for both the region and the nation as a whole.
"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," the statement added, underscoring the broader implications of the conflict.
Background on Nnamdi Kanu's Legal Situation
Recall that on November 20, 2025, Nnamdi Kanu was convicted of terrorism-related offences and subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment. He has since been transferred to the Sokoto Correctional Centre to serve his sentence. However, his family has vowed to appeal the judgment, indicating that the legal battle is far from over and highlighting the urgency of finding a resolution through dialogue as suggested by Igboho.
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding separatist movements in Nigeria, with Igboho's call potentially opening new avenues for peaceful engagement between the government and activist groups. The emphasis on dialogue reflects a growing recognition of the need for collaborative solutions to complex political and security challenges in the country.
