The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has pledged N100 million, to be paid in instalments, and a brand-new Hilux vehicle to the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based security outfit established by Yoruba nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Gatekeepers News reports that the monarch made the announcement on Tuesday while receiving Adeyemo and members of the security outfit during a courtesy visit to his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
Iru Ekun, which translates to “the tail of a leopard” in Yoruba, was launched to complement existing security efforts in tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the South-West.
In a video from the event seen by TheCable on Wednesday, the Ooni stressed the significance of indigenous institutions and traditional values in safeguarding Yorubaland.
“There is power in Yorubaland. Anyone who says there isn’t is deceiving himself or herself,” the monarch said.
“We will all stand by and support you. I now want to pledge N100 million to your outfit. I will give you the money in instalments. I will spread it across ten payments, but they won’t be far apart. So today, you will go home with N10 million.”
The Ooni expressed hope that his donation would encourage other prominent Yoruba sons and daughters to support the initiative.
“I am making this donation as an example and a message to all wealthy Yoruba sons and daughters,” he added.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Sodiq Lawal, Senior Media Officer at the Ooni’s Palace, on behalf of Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs, the monarch described the donation as more than a financial contribution, saying it reflected his commitment to promoting peace, communal harmony and the protection of the Yoruba people.
He said the Iru Ekun Security Network represents a timely intervention designed to complement the efforts of existing security agencies in protecting lives and property.
“I commend Chief Sunday Igboho for taking a bold step towards strengthening community security,” the Ooni 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 also urged traditional rulers, business leaders, professionals, community leaders and Yoruba indigenes across the world to rally behind the security initiative.
“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 said.
Responding, Adeyemo thanked the Ooni for his financial support, royal blessings and encouragement, describing him as a unifying figure for the Yoruba people.
“The Ooni is the father of all Yoruba people worldwide,” Igboho said.
“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 the visit was aimed at updating the monarch on the progress of the security outfit while seeking his continued guidance, prayers and endorsement.
Adeyemo also disclosed plans to convene a security summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to discuss practical solutions to the region’s security challenges.
According to him, the summit, subject to the Ooni’s approval and blessings, is expected to be held at the monarch’s palace in Ile-Ife, regarded as the ancestral and spiritual headquarters of the Yoruba people.
He added that the Iru Ekun Security Network would operate within the law and work with relevant authorities and local communities to promote intelligence gathering, community policing and peace across the region.
The security outfit was launched by Adeyemo in Ilorin, Kwara State, on July 24 as a community-based initiative to complement the efforts of government and conventional security agencies in combating kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
He had also said the outfit would help reclaim forests in Kwara from bandits and prevent criminal groups from using them as safe havens.
In May, Adeyemo disclosed that the necessary documents had been submitted to the federal government for approval to establish the security network. However, as of the time of filing the report, it remained unclear whether the approval had been granted.
