The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has warned that terrorist elements are gradually infiltrating the southern region, particularly the South-West, and vowed that traditional institutions will confront the threat decisively.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, the monarch confirmed intelligence reports indicating suspicious movements linked to terrorist groups.
When asked directly if such infiltration had been detected, the Ooni responded:
“Yes, we have discovered that, and that’s the truth. That’s why we’re coming together.”
He explained that traditional authorities, in collaboration with the current administration, have strengthened security architecture at the local level. According to him, forest guards, local hunters, and community-based security outfits are now being reinforced to protect towns and villages.
“We are enforcing and strengthening our local guards; we are very strong. This government has declared that it will work with local hunters. We have forest guards now, and they are very efficient,” he said.
The monarch stressed that Yoruba communities are prepared to confront any invading elements, drawing parallels with historical resistance.
“They are coming closer to us, and we’re going to send them back. It has happened before — in the 17th and 18th centuries. We have never been conquered, and it will not happen again,” he asserted.
The Ooni’s remarks come amid renewed concerns about insecurity and the spread of violent groups into previously unaffected regions.