'Explore Dialogue With FG': Sunday Igboho Praises Nnamdi Kanu's Cancellation of Sit-at-Home, Urges Peaceful Resolution

Yoruba Nation activist describes decision to end five-year economic shutdown as 'thoughtful,' calls on Tinubu administration to reciprocate

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has commended detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu for permanently cancelling the Monday sit-at-home order across Nigeria's South-East region, describing the move as a significant step toward regional stability.

In a statement issued Friday through his legal counsel, Pelumi Olanjengbesi, Igboho praised Kanu's directive, which took effect February 9, bringing an end to a five-year economic shutdown that has disrupted markets, schools, and businesses throughout the South-East .

'Thoughtful and Timely'

"I wish 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," Igboho said. "I believe that the move by Mazi Kanu to end the five-year Monday economic siege on the South-East zone is thoughtful" .

The cancellation, announced by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, came directly from Kanu, who is serving a life sentence at Sokoto Correctional Facility following his November 2025 conviction on terrorism-related charges .

A Call for Dialogue

Beyond commending the decision, Igboho urged Kanu to take further steps toward resolving his legal and political challenges through peaceful engagement with the Federal Government.

"I urge the IPOB leader to vigorously explore dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in his ordeal," Igboho stated .

The activist expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Tinubu would be open to negotiation, emphasizing that peaceful resolution serves the interests of all Nigerians.

"While it is the fundamental right of Mazi Kanu to pursue self-determination, I believe 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," he added .

Warning Against Violence Profiteers

Igboho also directed sharp criticism at individuals and groups allegedly benefiting from continued unrest in the region, calling on them to cease activities that undermine economic recovery and peace.

"I 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," he said .

Background: End of an Era

IPOB first declared the Monday sit-at-home in August 2021 to protest Kanu's arrest, rendition to Nigeria, and subsequent detention. Over five years, the weekly shutdown has severely impacted economic activity across the five South-Eastern states, despite repeated denials by IPOB that it authorized the continued enforcement .

Kanu's cancellation directive explicitly warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against his orders and would be considered "enemies of our people and the Biafran cause" .

The intervention by Igboho, himself a prominent activist who faced his own legal battles before returning to Nigeria, represents a significant moment of cross-regional solidarity and a shared call for peaceful resolution of longstanding grievances.