In a major strategic move to tackle rising security challenges, top traditional rulers from the South-West region, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, have convened a high-level meeting with Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho. The critical stakeholders` session, held on Friday, was hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole, at his palace in Ekiti State.

The gathering brought together first-class traditional rulers from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, and parts of Kwara State. Presided over by Oba Ogunwusi, who serves as the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the meeting aimed to establish a unified front against criminal elements threatening the peace of the region.

According to an official statement released to THENEWSCREDIT by Igboho’s media office in Ibadan, the primary objective of the summit was to evaluate the security architecture of Yorubaland. The leaders focused extensively on sustaining the prevailing peace and communal stability while designing proactive measures to neutralize emerging security threats across the South-West zone.

A central point of discussion was the creation of a formal synergy between conventional security agencies and local initiatives, particularly the Iru Ekun Security Network. The monarchs emphasized the urgent need to fortify rural communities and border towns, which remain highly vulnerable to breaches, kidnappings, and agricultural disruptions.

The traditional rulers underscored their own indispensable role in grassroots intelligence gathering and conflict resolution. They argued that their proximity to the people positions them uniquely to detect early warning signs of crime, prevent communal crises, and manage disputes between host communities and other ethnic nationalities.

Furthermore, the statement highly commended the ongoing cooperation and enormous support received from federal security forces. The leadership of the Iru Ekun Security Network expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force for their collaborative efforts in keeping local communities safe.

In closing, the stakeholders extended special gratitude to top national security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), for their visible commitment to regional safety. They restated their unwavering resolve to continue working hand-in-hand with all state actors to guarantee a crime-free South-West.