The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has pledged N100 million and a new Hilux vehicle to the Iru Ekun Security Network established by Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The monarch said the support would help the organisation protect communities, but questions remain over whether the outfit has received all the official approvals needed to operate.
The Ooni announced the pledge on Tuesday during a visit by Igboho and members of the security group to his palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The N100 million will not be released at once. The monarch said it would be paid in 10 instalments, with N10 million due as the first payment.
Iru Ekun means “the tail of a leopard” in the Yoruba language. Igboho established the organisation to support efforts against kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes affecting rural communities and forests across Yoruba-speaking areas.
Ooni urges wealthy Yoruba people to support initiative
The Ooni said his pledge was intended to encourage wealthy Yoruba individuals, traditional rulers, professionals, business leaders and people living abroad to support efforts to protect the region.
“We will all stand by and support you,” the monarch said before announcing the N100 million commitment.
In a statement issued through his palace, the Ooni described the security network as a timely initiative intended to complement the work of established security agencies.
He said protecting lives and property was a shared responsibility that should rise above political, religious and ideological differences.
The palace added that the donation demonstrated the monarch’s support for programmes promoting peace, community cooperation and the safety of Yoruba people.
The Ooni also praised Igboho for taking what he called a bold step towards strengthening local security.
However, the monarch’s endorsement does not give the group police powers or replace the need to comply with federal and state regulations.
Igboho promises to work within the law
Responding to the pledge, Igboho thanked the Ooni for his support, prayers and guidance.
He said the security network would operate within the law and cooperate with the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local communities.
Igboho also announced plans for a security summit involving traditional rulers from across Yorubaland. The proposed meeting would consider practical responses to kidnapping, attacks on rural settlements and criminal activity in forests.
The summit is expected to take place at the Ooni’s palace, subject to the monarch’s approval.
Igboho launched the Iru Ekun Security Network in Ilorin, Kwara State, on 24 July. He said its members would help reclaim forests allegedly being used as hideouts by bandits and kidnappers while supporting conventional security agencies.
He also warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands. He said unarmed suspects should be handed over to the police rather than subjected to violence.
Approval status remains unclear
In May, Igboho said the organisation had submitted the required documents and was awaiting approval from the Federal Government.
He also promised to comply with an executive order issued by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate private groups providing security-related services. The order was introduced to ensure that such organisations operate within a clear legal and operational system.
However, TheCable said it could not independently confirm whether federal approval had been granted by the time the Ooni announced his support.
This means the donation should not be interpreted as proof that the network has received every licence or authorisation it may require.
Clear rules are important because community security groups may gather intelligence and support law enforcement, but arrests, detention, weapons and the use of force remain governed by Nigerian law.
The debate over local security has grown amid attacks and abductions across the South-West. Following the kidnapping of pupils and teachers in Oyo State in May, the Federal Government approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for deployment across the state’s forest reserves.
New Daily Prime later reported that 44 abducted Oyo pupils and teachers regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
Support comes amid controversy over Igboho’s methods
Igboho’s security activities have attracted both support and criticism.
Supporters argue that local groups understand their communities and can provide information that helps security agencies locate criminals. Critics warn that loosely regulated groups could engage in ethnic profiling, unlawful arrests or actions that increase tension.
New Daily Prime previously reported that northern groups asked President Bola Tinubu to caution Sunday Igboho after he reportedly issued an ultimatum to Fulani leaders during a kidnapping crisis in Oyo State.
Igboho later denied targeting any ethnic community, saying his campaign was directed at criminals regardless of their tribe or religion.
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