The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), has donated ₦100 million and a brand-new Toyota Hilux vehicle to the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based outfit founded by Yoruba Nation advocate, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The donation was announced on August 4, 2026, during a courtesy visit by Igboho and members of the network to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State, according to a statement issued by the palace.
The monarch pledged the sum in instalments, with an initial ₦10 million released immediately, while the Hilux vehicle is to support the group’s field operations.
Describing the initiative as timely, the Ooni said the security network would complement the efforts of formal security agencies in tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes in the South-West.
“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 ₦100 million to your outfit.”
He called on traditional rulers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that security remains critical to peace, unity, and development.
The Iru Ekun Security Network, launched in late July 2026, is designed to work alongside the police, military, and other agencies to strengthen community-level security across affected areas.
Responding, Igboho thanked the Ooni for the support, describing him as a unifying figure for the Yoruba people and pledging that the network would collaborate with relevant authorities to improve security.
He also disclosed plans to convene a security summit of traditional rulers across Yorubaland, potentially to be hosted at the Ooni’s Palace.
The development signals growing traditional and community-based efforts to address security challenges in parts of the South-West.
