The Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has pledged to mobilise traditional rulers to collaborate with the police in strengthening security and promoting peaceful coexistence across Osun and Oyo States.
Ooni Ogunwusi made the pledge on Thursday evening when he received the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone 11 Command, Osogbo, Bassey Samuel Ewah, at his Palace in Ile-Ife.
This is according to a statement issued by the Senior Media Officer, Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal, on behalf of the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare.
The visit, which came shortly after Ewah assumed office as the AIG of Zone 11, was aimed at seeking the Ooni’s royal blessings and support for his policing responsibilities, particularly in addressing security challenges and strengthening police-community relations.
The Ooni assured the AIG of his readiness to mobilise traditional rulers to support the police in their efforts to safeguard lives and property.
"Security is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of traditional institutions, government, security agencies, community leaders and residents.
"Traditional rulers occupied important positions in their respective communities and could help bridge the gap between the police and the people by encouraging cooperation, promoting peaceful coexistence and facilitating the timely reporting of suspicious activities," he maintained.
The Ooni stressed the need for sustained collaboration between the police and traditional institutions, adding that effective communication and mutual understanding were necessary for addressing security concerns and building public confidence.
Describing Ewah as a man of respect, the Ooni welcomed his decision to visit the palace at the beginning of his tenure, noting the importance of engaging traditional institutions in advancing peace and security.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would strengthen security efforts across Osun and Oyo States, while reaffirming the commitment of the traditional institution to initiatives that promote peace, unity and the protection of lives and property.
Speaking during the visit, AIG Ewah said he considered it important to visit the Ooni and seek his royal blessings and support before fully commencing his policing responsibilities in the zone.
He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional institutions in maintaining peace and security, noting that the cooperation of royal fathers and community leaders remained essential to effective policing.
According to him, "collaboration between security agencies and traditional rulers would help strengthen community engagement, improve the flow of security information and facilitate efforts to address criminal activities."
Ewah who was accompanied to the palace by senior police officers in Osun State was received by the Ooni, alongside the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Adesoji Kehinde Oladepo, Akinrinsa II; the Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Olayinka Oyetunde Ishola Jokotola II, Ilufemiloye I; the Obalaaye of Iraye, Oba Eludoja Temitope Elugbemi, Agunloye II; and other traditional rulers.
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