The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has donated ₦100m and a brand-new Hilux vehicle to support the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based security outfit established by Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The donation was announced during a courtesy visit by Igboho and members of the security outfit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife on Tuesday. 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.
The Ooni commended Igboho for his commitment to the security and well-being of the Yoruba people, saying security is essential to sustainable development. “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 urged traditional rulers, community leaders, business executives, professionals, and other Yoruba stakeholders to support the Iru Ekun Security Network. “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 and described him as “the father of all Yoruba people worldwide.” “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,” he said.
Igboho also briefed the Ooni on the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network and sought his continued guidance and support. He added that plans were underway to organize a security summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to discuss practical solutions to insecurity in the region.
The proposed summit, subject to the Ooni’s approval, is expected to hold at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife. Igboho emphasized the need for collective effort to address insecurity in the region and appealed to traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support the Iru Ekun Security Network.
The Ooni’s donation is a significant move to boost the Iru Ekun Security Network’s operations and strengthen community security in Yorubaland. The initiative is aimed at preserving lives, maintaining peace, and promoting sustainable development in the region.