The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has donated ₦100 million and a Hilux van to support the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community security outfit established by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The donation was announced on Tuesday when Sunday Igboho and members of the security network paid a courtesy visit to the monarch at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife. According to a statement issued by the monarch’s spokesman, Sodiq Lawal, the support represents the Ooni’s personal commitment to initiatives aimed at promoting peace, protecting lives and strengthening security across Yorubaland.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Ogunwusi praised Igboho for what he described as courage, resilience and dedication to the safety and well-being of the Yoruba people. He stressed that community security is a shared responsibility that goes beyond politics, religion or ideology.
“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 monarch said.
The Ooni also called on Yoruba people to unite in safeguarding the region, saying lasting peace and development can only be achieved through collective action. “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.
Responding to the gesture, Sunday Igboho expressed appreciation to the monarch, describing him as a father figure to Yoruba people across the world. He said the visit was aimed at seeking royal blessings, guidance and support for the security network as it expands its operations.
“The Ooni is the father of all Yoruba people worldwide. He is God’s gift to our race. His love for the Yoruba nation, humility and kindness distinguish him among traditional rulers. I have come to receive his royal blessings as we continue our mission of protecting our people,” Igboho said.
The activist also announced plans to organise a security summit that will bring together Yoruba traditional rulers to discuss practical solutions to the region’s security challenges. He said the gathering, subject to the Ooni’s approval, is expected to hold at the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife, regarded as the ancestral and spiritual home of the Yoruba people.
Igboho reaffirmed that the Iru Ekun Security Network would continue to operate within the law while working with security agencies and local communities to strengthen intelligence gathering, community policing and efforts to improve safety across Yorubaland.
