The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has donated ₦100 million and a brand-new Hilux vehicle to support the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based security initiative established by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The Ooni Igboho security donation was announced during a courtesy visit by Igboho and members of the security network to the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife on Tuesday.
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A statement issued by the palace on Wednesday and signed by Sodiq Lawal for the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, confirmed the donation, describing it as support for efforts aimed at improving community security.
The statement identified Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, as backing initiatives focused on protecting lives and promoting peace within communities.
The monarch praised Sunday Igboho for his efforts towards strengthening community safety, describing security as an important foundation for 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,” the Ooni said.
He added that initiatives genuinely focused on preserving lives and maintaining peace deserved encouragement and support.
The traditional ruler also called on Yoruba traditional leaders, community stakeholders, business leaders and professionals to contribute towards initiatives aimed at improving security across the region.
“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 said.
Responding to the gesture, Sunday Igboho expressed appreciation to the monarch, describing the Ooni 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,” Igboho said.
Igboho explained that the visit was also an opportunity to brief the monarch on the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network and seek further guidance on its operations.
He disclosed that plans were being considered for a security summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland, with discussions expected to focus on practical approaches to addressing insecurity in the region.
According to Igboho, the proposed summit would take place at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, subject to the approval of the monarch.
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The donation comes amid continued conversations across Nigeria about community-based approaches to security challenges, with traditional institutions, local leaders and stakeholders increasingly involved in discussions around public safety and peace-building.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
