Ooni Backs Igboho’s Iru Ekun Security Network With N100m, Brand-New Hilux

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has thrown his royal weight behind the Iru Ekun Security Network established by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, with a ₦100 million financial commitment and a brand-new Hilux vehicle.

The support was announced on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Igboho and members of the Iru Ekun Security Network to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The development has attracted significant attention amid growing concerns about insecurity in rural communities across the South-West.

A statement from the Ooni’s palace, issued by Senior Media Officer Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, said the monarch’s intervention was intended to strengthen the operational capacity of the community-based security initiative.

According to the palace, the Ooni described Iru Ekun as a timely initiative designed to complement existing security arrangements and contribute to the protection of lives and property across Yoruba communities. He commended Igboho for taking what he described as a bold step towards strengthening community security.

The monarch also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, business executives, professionals and other prominent Yoruba stakeholders to support genuine efforts aimed at improving security in the region. He stressed that protecting communities should be regarded as a collective responsibility that rises above political, religious and ideological differences.

The Ooni further linked security to economic and social development, maintaining that sustainable development could only thrive where lives and property are adequately protected. His intervention therefore represents a significant endorsement of a community-led approach to addressing insecurity in parts of Yorubaland.

Igboho, in response, expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler for the financial support, vehicle and royal backing. He described the Ooni as a father figure to Yoruba people worldwide and said the visit was also intended to brief the monarch on the activities of the security network and seek his continued guidance, prayers and endorsement.

The Yoruba activist also disclosed plans to convene a summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to discuss practical approaches to the region’s security challenges. According to reports, the proposed gathering would be held at the Ooni’s Palace, subject to the monarch’s approval and blessing.

Igboho further assured the Ooni that the Iru Ekun Security Network would operate within the law and collaborate with relevant authorities and local communities. The stated areas of focus include intelligence gathering, community policing and efforts to promote lasting peace across Yoruba communities.

The donation comes at a time when communities in parts of the South-West continue to grapple with concerns over kidnapping, banditry, farmer-herder tensions and other criminal activities, particularly in rural and forest-bordering areas. The emergence of Iru Ekun reflects growing interest in community participation in intelligence gathering and local security efforts.

The Ooni’s backing is expected to provide both material and symbolic support for the Iru Ekun initiative. Beyond the financial commitment and operational vehicle, the endorsement from one of Yorubaland’s most prominent traditional rulers could strengthen the network’s visibility and encourage wider conversations among traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders about locally driven approaches to security.