Ooni Donates ₦100m, Hilux To Support Igboho’s Security Outfit

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has donated ₦100 million and a brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicle to the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based security outfit established by Yoruba Nation campaigner, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

The monarch announced the support on Tuesday when Igboho and members of the security network paid him a courtesy visit at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the palace and signed by Sodiq Lawal on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare.

According to the statement, the donation is intended to strengthen the operations of the Iru Ekun Security Network, which was established to complement efforts at improving security across Yoruba communities.

Speaking during the visit, the Ooni praised Igboho for what he described as his dedication to safeguarding lives and promoting peace in Yorubaland. He stressed that ensuring the safety of communities is a shared responsibility that should rise above politics, religion and 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 traditional rulers, community leaders, business executives, professionals and other prominent Yoruba sons and daughters to rally behind the security initiative.

He emphasised that unity remains the greatest strength of the Yoruba people, urging stakeholders to work together in the interest of peace, stability and development.

“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, Sunday Igboho expressed appreciation to the monarch for the generous donation, describing the Ooni as a father figure to Yoruba people across the world.

“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 explained that the visit also provided an opportunity to brief the monarch on the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network and seek his continued guidance and royal support.

He further disclosed that plans were underway to organise a security summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland to discuss practical and lasting solutions to insecurity in the region.

According to him, the proposed summit, subject to the Ooni’s approval, is expected to take place at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife.