By John Dike, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Wednesday received the Osun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Olayinka Joe Fadile, alongside other senior officers of the agency at the Ile Oodua Palace, Ile-Ife.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Otunba Moses Olafare, the visit was a formal courtesy call aimed at strengthening the existing relationship between the traditional institution and the anti-drug agency in its ongoing campaign against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
NDLEA Seeks Continued Royal Support
Speaking during the visit, the NDLEA State Commander disclosed that he had been informed of the Ooni’s distinguished role as one of the agency’s decorated ambassadors.
He described Ooni Ogunwusi as a committed advocate in the fight against drug abuse and expressed his desire to sustain and deepen the partnership.
According to him, although the ambassadorial decoration is a one-time honour, the agency remains proud to identify with the Ooni’s contributions and moral support in advancing its mandate.
He noted that the visit was primarily to pay homage to the royal father and seek his continued royal blessings.
“This is essentially a courtesy visit,” the Commander stated, adding that the NDLEA deeply values the Ooni’s influence and leadership, particularly in mobilizing communities and youths toward positive change.
Ooni Reiterates Commitment to Anti-Drug Campaign
In his response, Ooni Ogunwusi commended the Commander and his team for their dedication to national service. He stressed the importance of sustained collaboration between security agencies and traditional institutions in combating drug abuse, especially among young people.
The monarch pledged his continued support for the NDLEA’s initiatives and assured the agency of the cooperation of traditional rulers within his domain.
He emphasized that safeguarding society from the dangers of illicit drugs is a collective responsibility requiring moral guidance, community engagement, and firm law enforcement.
The Ooni concluded the visit with prayers for the Commander and his officers, seeking divine protection, wisdom, and operational success, as well as peace and stability across Osun State and Nigeria at large.
