Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho

Iru Ekun: I’ve submitted documents, awaiting FG’s approval — Igboho

Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Monday disclosed that he was still awaiting the Federal Government’s approval for the takeoff of his security outfit, Iru Ekun Security Network, as part of moves to dislodge criminal elements from South-West forests.

In a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, May 25, 2026, Igboho revealed that all necessary documents and procedural requirements needed for the approval of Iru Ekun Security Network had been submitted to the Federal Government. He expressed optimism that the approval would be granted soon, allowing his outfit to commence operations aimed at tackling the growing insecurity plaguing the region. Igboho also expressed his readiness to comply with the executive order recently issued by the Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, to regulate activities of private security firms in the state.

The PUNCH reports that Makinde, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, signed into law Executive Order 001 of 2026, regulating associations, groups, and organisations offering security and allied services in the state. Makinde said the move was necessary to ensure that all groups and associations involved in security-related activities, such as vigilante and other community-based security networks, operate within a clear legal and operational framework that supports peace, order and the rule of law in the state. The governor noted that the executive order became necessary in view of the growing security challenges confronting communities and the increasing number of groups engaging in security-related activities without proper coordination.

Igboho emphasized that his security network is fully prepared to work alongside existing security agencies to flush out criminal elements terrorizing rural communities across the South-West. “We are absolutely ready to collaborate with the police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other relevant stakeholders in the security sector to flush out terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and other hoodlums who are threatening the peace and safety of our people, most especially in rural communities,” Igboho stated. He explained that the security initiative was designed to complement the efforts of existing security agencies in tackling kidnappings, banditry and other violent crimes affecting communities in the region, especially rural areas. The outfit’s proposed areas of operation include forests across Yorubaland, which have become hideouts for bandits and kidnappers.

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Igboho lauded President Bola Tinubu for his resolve and commitment to rejig security architecture in the South-West and Nigeria at large. “It is obvious that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is resolutely committed to tackle criminalities not only in the South-West but also in all other regions plagued by insecurity,” he said. This marks a notable shift from Igboho’s previous confrontations with the Federal Government, during which he was declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in 2021 over his agitation for Yoruba Nation and possession of prohibited firearms. His current approach appears to favor legal registration and collaboration with state authorities rather than unilateral action.

Igboho also expressed his readiness to comply with the Executive Order recently issued by Governor Seyi Makinde. “Besides, I want to state that we are also ready to comply with the new Executive Order issued by Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate the activities of private security concerns. We are ready to support and cooperate with measures aimed at strengthening the security and peace in Oyo and other states in Yorubaland,” Igboho affirmed. The executive order, signed last week, seeks to establish a legal and operational framework for groups involved in security-related activities amid growing insecurity and concerns over unregulated operations. Igboho said his organisation was willing to comply fully with the directive and support efforts aimed at strengthening security coordination in the state and across Yorubaland.

According to Igboho, rural communities remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security, making their protection a matter of national importance. “Without peace and security, healthy socioeconomic developments cannot thrive, most especially in the rural communities, which remain the hub of agricultural production critical to the nation’s food security and means of livelihood for farmers,” the statement concluded. This latest statement follows similar appeals Igboho made earlier in May 2026, where he urged the Federal Government and South-West governors to speed up approval for the operation of his security network. Reacting to the abduction of pupils and the killing of a teacher in Ahoro-Esinele community, Igboho had expressed frustration over the growing insecurity.

Igboho’s remarks come amid growing concerns over rising incidents of kidnappings, attacks on rural communities and increasing insecurity across parts of the South-West, particularly in forested areas linking Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and neighbouring states. The development also coincides with reports of an Emir escaping a bandits’ attack, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the region.

As Igboho awaits the Federal Government’s approval, the security situation in the South-West remains tense. His stated readiness to collaborate with security agencies and comply with state regulations suggests a more institutional approach compared to his earlier confrontational stance. Igboho has maintained that he does not want to commence strategic operations without official approval from the Federal Government, South-West governors, and relevant security stakeholders. Whether the Federal Government will grant approval for Iru Ekun Security Network to commence operations remains to be seen. However, Igboho’s repeated appeals and the growing insecurity in the region may put pressure on authorities to act swiftly.