By John Dike
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has pledged to mobilise traditional rulers across Yorubaland to strengthen collaboration with the police in tackling crime and promoting peaceful coexistence in Osun and Oyo states.
The monarch gave the assurance on Thursday evening when he received the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11 Command, Bassey Samuel Ewah, at his Ile Oodua Palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The Ooni said traditional institutions had important roles to play in supporting security agencies to protect lives and property.
He explained that traditional rulers, because of their close relationships with residents and knowledge of their communities, could assist in intelligence gathering, encourage the prompt reporting of suspicious activities and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement
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The monarch’s position was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer of the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Otunba Moses Olafare.
Ewah’s visit came shortly after he assumed office as the AIG in charge of Zone 11 and was intended to seek the monarch’s royal blessings and support for his policing responsibilities.
The AIG arrived at the palace alongside senior police officers in Osun State and was received by the Ooni and other traditional rulers, including the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo, Akinrinsa II; the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotola II, Ilufemiloye I; and the Obalaaye of Iraye, Oba Eludoja Temitope Elugbemi, Agunloye II.
Speaking during the visit, Ewah said he considered it important to seek the Ooni’s blessings and support as he began his assignment in the zone.
He acknowledged the strategic position of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and security, noting that their influence and understanding of local communities could contribute significantly to effective policing.
According to him, stronger cooperation between the police and traditional institutions would improve community engagement, facilitate the exchange of security information and strengthen efforts to prevent and address criminal activities.
He added that the support of royal fathers, community leaders and residents was essential to identifying security threats and providing useful information to law enforcement agencies.
Responding, the Ooni welcomed the AIG’s decision to visit the palace at the beginning of his tenure, describing engagement with traditional institutions as an important step towards building mutual understanding and cooperation.
He assured Ewah that he was ready to mobilise fellow traditional rulers to support the police in safeguarding lives and property across Osun and Oyo states.
The monarch stressed that security was a collective responsibility requiring the involvement of government, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents.
He said traditional rulers could serve as a bridge between the police and the people by encouraging residents to cooperate with security agencies, promoting peaceful coexistence and helping to communicate the concerns of their communities.
The Ooni also emphasised the need for sustained communication and mutual trust between the police and traditional institutions, noting that effective collaboration was vital to addressing security challenges.
He urged traditional rulers to encourage residents to report suspicious movements and activities promptly, while promoting lawful conduct and the peaceful resolution of disputes within their domains.
Describing Ewah as a man of respect, the monarch expressed optimism that the visit would lay the foundation for stronger cooperation between the police and traditional rulers in the two states.
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He reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to supporting initiatives that promote peace, unity and the protection of lives and property.
The engagement highlights the potential role of traditional institutions in strengthening community-based security efforts, particularly through local intelligence, public sensitisation and improved communication between residents and law enforcement agencies.
