Insecurity: Prince Ewenla urges unity among Yoruba leaders, defends Sunday Igboho

A security expert and Akinjagunla Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Prince Amb. (Dr.) Adedipe Dauda Ewenla has called for greater unity among Yoruba leaders and security stakeholders, urging collaboration in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening the South-West.

Ewenla also condemned what he described as persistent attacks and insults directed at Yoruba activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, by some Fulani leaders and Islamic scholars, insisting that disagreements over his methods should not translate into disrespect for his person.

Speaking in a statement on Sunday, Ewenla clarified that he was not an unconditional supporter of Igboho and had, in the past, criticised some of his actions, particularly his social media activities and remarks directed at prominent Yoruba leaders.

“I am not a blind supporter or fan of Sunday Adeyemo,” he said.

“On several occasions, I have disagreed with his excessive propaganda on social media and what I consider a lack of security consciousness in some of his public activities. I have also criticised his past insults directed at respected Yoruba leaders because leadership must always be guided by discipline and respect.”

Despite those reservations, Ewenla maintained that Sunday Igboho remains a prominent Yoruba figure who deserves fairness and constructive criticism rather than attacks from external groups.

“Whether we agree or disagree with his methods, Sunday Adeyemo remains a son of the soil in Yorubaland. No Fulani or any other group should believe they can insult him without expecting a response from Yoruba people. We will not accept the disrespect or humiliation of our own,” he stated.

Calls for Strategic Security Approach

The security expert acknowledged Igboho’s role in speaking against insecurity in the South-West but stressed that tackling terrorism and kidnapping requires coordinated efforts rather than individual actions.

“The truth is that Sunday Igboho has consistently spoken against terrorism, kidnapping, and criminality affecting Yorubaland. While his passion is commendable, no individual can successfully fight insecurity alone,” Ewenla said.

“Security operations require collaboration, intelligence, coordination, and strategic planning rather than personal publicity.”

He advised the Yoruba activist to reduce public disclosures relating to security activities, warning that excessive social media exposure could compromise operations.

“A genuine security operation should never expose operational plans, personnel, or equipment before entering the field. Recording videos of security preparations and broadcasting them before operations can compromise missions by providing valuable intelligence to terrorists and kidnappers,” he said.

“Operational secrecy remains one of the most important principles of security management.”

Ewenla Urges Collaboration With Gani Adams, Other Security Stakeholders

Ewenla further urged Igboho, who operates the registered Iru Eku Security Company, to work closely with established Yoruba security structures, particularly the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams.

According to him, stronger collaboration among indigenous security groups would enhance efforts to combat insecurity across the region.

“As a registered operator of Iru Eku Security Company, Sunday Adeyemo should work closely with established Yoruba security stakeholders instead of attempting to carry the burden alone,” he said.

“He should engage and collaborate with the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, together with other recognised local security organisations working to safeguard Yorubaland.”

Ewenla also called on supporters and bloggers associated with Igboho to desist from attacking the Yoruba leader.

“I urge Sunday Adeyemo to prevail on bloggers and supporters associated with him to stop insulting the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland. Respect should always be given to those who have earned it through years of sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to the Yoruba nation,” he added.

‘No Individual Can Defeat Terrorism Alone’

The security expert stressed that combating insecurity should never become a competition for public attention or social media popularity.

“The reality is that no single individual possesses all the capacity required to confront terrorism across Yorubaland,” he said.

He praised Gani Adams for his longstanding contributions to grassroots security coordination and community protection initiatives in the South-West.

“The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has spent decades coordinating numerous local security and community protection groups in the fight against insecurity. His experience, organisational structure, and network remain valuable assets in protecting lives and property.”

Ewenla, however, lamented what he described as inadequate government support for indigenous security organisations.

“Unfortunately, successive governments have not provided these local security organisations with the recognition and support necessary to maximise their contributions to security in the South-West,” he said.

Calls for Unity Against Terrorism

According to Ewenla, intelligence-led operations, confidentiality, and cooperation among security stakeholders remain the most effective tools in addressing insecurity.

“The fight against terrorism and kidnapping should never become a contest of personalities or social media popularity. It should be built on unity, intelligence gathering, mutual respect, strategic coordination, and genuine commitment to protecting our people,” he said.

“As a security expert, I believe that intelligence-led operations, confidentiality, cooperation among security stakeholders, and community support remain the most effective tools in defeating terrorism and kidnapping.”

He concluded by urging Yoruba people to unite in defence of their communities while embracing constructive engagement among leaders and security actors.

“We may disagree with some of Sunday Igboho’s approaches, but he remains one of our own,” Ewenla said.

“At the same time, I encourage him to embrace greater cooperation with established Yoruba leaders and security organisations, particularly the Aare Ona Kakanfo, so that together they can build a stronger and more effective front against terrorists and kidnappers threatening Yorubaland.”