Sunday Igboho Launches ‘Iru Ekun’ Security Outfit in Ogun, Says FG Will Train Members

Sunday Igboho Launches ‘Iru Ekun’ Security Outfit in Ogun, Says FG Will Train Members

Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, on Wednesday formally inaugurated the Ogun State chapter of the Iru Ekun Security Network, a community-based security initiative aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities across the South-West region.

The launch, held in a bustling area of Ogun State, attracted a massive turnout of supporters and volunteers, with reports indicating that thousands of individuals joined the initiative. Photographs and videos shared online showed hundreds of attendees dressed in matching black outfits and caps, gathered under tents and along streets, with many recording the proceedings on their mobile devices.

Speaking at the launch, Igboho outlined the structure and operational framework of the security outfit, emphasising that it would operate in collaboration with government authorities at both federal and state levels. He disclosed that the Federal Government would determine which agency would be responsible for training members of the security network, while the Ogun State Governor’s Office would decide where trained personnel would be deployed. He also revealed that every trained member would be issued an identification card at the local government level, enabling them to operate legitimately.

“Federal Government will decide who will come and train us. The Governor’s Office tell us where they will place us. As they wrap up that training, every person will be issued an ID card at the local government level,” Igboho told the gathering.

Igboho also revealed that the Ogun State Government had already given assurances of support for the initiative, including plans to determine a monthly allowance for members to help them provide for their families while carrying out their duties. This, he said, would enable volunteers to commit fully to the security work without neglecting their domestic responsibilities.

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“The Governor has also given us assurance. They have given us support here, and they will decide what monthly allowance to provide to us, to support us, because we have wives, and we have children,” he said.

The activist placed heavy emphasis on discipline among recruits, warning members against reckless behaviour or abuse of the authority that may come with their identification and training. He stressed that the success of the initiative depended on the character and conduct of its members, urging them to serve with integrity and restraint.

“You must have discipline. Do not engage in reckless behaviour or ruin things just because they have trained you and you have ID card,” Igboho cautioned.

Igboho framed the broader ambition of the initiative as securing official identification for members across the entire South-West, enabling them to operate legitimately while contributing to community safety and supporting their households. He drew a parallel with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , recalling how the organisation evolved from a humble community-based structure into a federally recognised security agency. He expressed confidence that the Iru Ekun Security Network could follow a similar trajectory if properly managed.

“This organisation we established, if we execute it properly—just like Civil Defence. They started at the market. We used to call them ‘Little Defence,’ but they did good work with what they were doing. The federal government have now fully established it across all of Nigeria,” Igboho said.

Iru Ekun, which translates to “leopard’s tail” in Yoruba, was established by Igboho as a community-based security initiative to complement existing efforts against kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in the South-West. The name symbolises strength, agility, and resilience—qualities the group aims to embody in its operations. The Ogun State inauguration follows the launch of the outfit in Kwara State about a month ago, where Igboho declared that criminal elements would no longer be allowed to use the state’s forests as safe havens.

The launch comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity in parts of the South-West and renewed calls for stronger community participation in combating criminal activities. In a related development, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi , recently threw his weight behind the Iru Ekun Security Network with a donation of N100 million and a brand new Toyota Hilux vehicle. The monarch described Igboho as an illustrious and courageous son of Oduduwa whose commitment to promoting peace, security, and development deserved widespread support from all well-meaning individuals and institutions.

Igboho has also unveiled plans to convene a security summit for traditional rulers across the South-West, to be hosted by the Ooni in Ile Ife, where issues relating to security, unity, and other crucial matters capable of protecting and promoting the collective interest of Yorubaland will be discussed. The summit is expected to bring together monarchs, security experts, and community leaders to develop a comprehensive strategy for addressing the region’s security challenges.

The activist, who has been vocal about the need for community-driven security solutions, said the Iru Ekun Security Network would work closely with existing security agencies to ensure effective coordination and intelligence sharing. He expressed gratitude to the Ogun State Government for its support and called on other state governments in the South-West to embrace similar initiatives to strengthen regional security.

Sunday Igboho Launches ‘Iru Ekun’ Security Outfit in Ogun, Says FG Will Train Members