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 outfit established by Yoruba Nation agitator, 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.

It read, “The Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC), Arole Oodua Olofin Adimula and the Natural Head of the Oduduwa race worldwide, the Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has donated the sum of ₦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 renowned Yoruba Nation advocate, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.”

The Ooni was quoted as commending Igboho for what he described as 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 said the visit was also to brief the monarch on the activities of the Iru Ekun Security Network and seek his continued guidance and support.

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

According to him, the proposed summit, subject to the Ooni’s approval, is expected to hold at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife. (PUNCH)

Update news