The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has thrown his weight behind the Iru Ekun Security Network with a donation of ₦100 million and a brand-new Hilux van to support the group’s operations across Yorubaland.
The gesture was announced on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the convener of the outfit, Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, and members of the network to the Ooni’s palace.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the palace, and signed by Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said the donation was to strengthen community policing and protect lives in the region.
The Ooni, who is also Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, commended Igboho for the initiative, describing security as the foundation for development.
“I commend Chief Sunday Igboho for taking a bold step towards strengthening community security,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
“Protecting our people is a collective responsibility that transcends political, religious and ideological differences. Every initiative genuinely designed to preserve lives and maintain peace deserves encouragement and support.”
The monarch called on other traditional rulers, business leaders, professionals and Yoruba stakeholders to rally behind Iru Ekun.
“Our strength lies in our unity. When we speak with one voice and work together, no force can undermine the peace and progress of Yorubaland,” he added. “This is the time for all lovers of Yoruba culture and heritage to unite for a common purpose.”
In his response, Igboho hailed the Ooni as “the father of all Yoruba people worldwide” and said the visit was to receive royal blessings and brief the monarch on the network’s activities.
“The Ooni is God’s gift to our race. His love for the Yoruba nation, humility and kindness distinguish him among traditional rulers,” Igboho said. “I have come to receive his royal blessings as we continue our mission of protecting our people.”
He disclosed that plans are underway to convene a security summit of traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to address rising insecurity. The summit, he said, would hold at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, subject to the monarch’s approval.
Iru Ekun Security Network was established by Igboho as a community-based outfit to complement government security efforts in Yoruba communities.
The donation, according to the palace, is part of the Ooni’s broader push to mobilise traditional institutions in support of grassroots security arrangements.
