The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has thrown his weight behind community-led efforts to tackle insecurity in Yorubaland, donating ₦100 million and a brand-new Hilux vehicle to support the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network.
The donation is aimed at strengthening the activities of the security outfit established by Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, as part of efforts to enhance the protection of lives and property across the region.
The gesture was announced during a courtesy visit by Igboho and members of the Iru Ekun Security Network to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife yesterday.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the palace and signed by Sodiq Lawal for the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.
Commending Igboho for what he described as his commitment to the security and well-being of the Yoruba people, the monarch said safeguarding lives and property was a collective responsibility that transcends political, religious and ideological differences.
“I commend Chief Sunday Igboho for taking a bold step towards strengthening community security. 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 Ooni said.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, business executives, professionals and other Yoruba stakeholders to support the Iru Ekun Security Network, stressing that unity remained essential to ensuring lasting peace and development in Yorubaland.
“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. This is the time for all lovers of Yoruba culture and heritage to unite for a common purpose,” he added.
Responding, Igboho thanked the monarch for the donation, describing him as “the father of all Yoruba people worldwide.”
He said the visit was also to brief the Ooni on the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network and seek his continued guidance and support.
Igboho further disclosed that plans were underway to organise a security summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to discuss practical solutions to insecurity in the region.
According to him, the proposed summit, subject to the Ooni’s approval, is expected to hold at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.