Traditional rulers from the South-West, led by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, are set to hold a security meeting with Yoruba nation activist and founder of the Iru Ekun Security Network, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
The meeting is scheduled to hold in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday and will be hosted by the Owa Ajero of Ijero Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole.
According to a statement issued by Igboho’s media office, the meeting will focus on security in Yorubaland and measures to sustain peace and communal stability across the South-West.
The statement said monarchs from Oyo, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun and parts of Kwara states are expected to attend the meeting.
It said the meeting would be presided over by Ogunwusi, who is Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) and Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council (SNTRC).
The stakeholders are expected to discuss ways of strengthening security across the region and improving cooperation between traditional institutions and local security initiatives such as the Iru Ekun Security Network.
The statement said particular attention would be given to protecting rural communities and strengthening the role of traditional rulers in local security, given their proximity to communities and their roles in preventing and resolving conflicts.
The organisers commended the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their support for the Iru Ekun Security Network.
They also pledged continued cooperation with security stakeholders to sustain peace and safety across the South-West.
The statement specifically commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd.); Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu; Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; and heads of other paramilitary agencies for their efforts in combating insecurity and criminality.