Alaafin’s burden on insecurity
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, lately voiced his concern over the menace of insecurity infesting Yorubaland and upsetting its historical renown as an oasis of safety, even amidst a
Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, lately voiced his concern over the menace of insecurity infesting Yorubaland and upsetting its historical renown as an oasis of safety, even amidst a national tendency of insecurity. He advocated practical, community-driven support systems that would complement formal security structures, particularly in intelligence-sharing and early warning mechanisms.
The frontline monarch, in a statement early this week, urged authorities at all levels to maintain constant and transparent communication with affected communities, saying visible leadership and timely information were essential in preventing panic, building trust and strengthening coordinated responses. In the statement by his Director of Culture and Public Relations, Ademola Adeniyi, he said recent high-level interaction, including with the traditional institution in Kwara State regarding the security situation in that axis, reinforced his conviction that the protection of lives and property cannot be delayed or compromised.
The Alaafin spoke against the backdrop of the kidnap of a monarch in Kwara South council area being among the latest incidents of security breaches in Yoruba-speaking territory. The traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun council area of Kwara, Oba Salman Olatunji Aweda, was abducted in the early hours of Saturday, with the abductors having demanded a ransom of N400million for his release. The police in Kwara confirmed the abduction and said no fewer than 42 illegal miners had been arrested in connection with the crime.
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In Oyo State, gunmen in January attacked forest guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire council area and killed five officials. That is not mentioning sundry breaches of security in Ondo State in recent times – among them the killing by suspected herdsmen of at least 14 people across four communities in Akure North council area, multiple attacks targeting farmers in Akure North and Akoko axes, kidnappings for ransom and other incidents that recently prompted a public protest.
A particularly instructive cue in Alaafin’s statement was his call on Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to action. “I advise the Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to commence wide-ranging consultations for local and traditional interventions with traditional rulers, community leaders and key stakeholders to stem the wave of insecurity in Yorubaland,” he said. “At this critical moment, citizens are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies. Properly guided community vigilance and organisation can significantly enhance early detection of threats and improve collective resilience,” the monarch added.
Aare Ona-Kakanfo is a chieftaincy title conferred by the Alaafin. Adams was appointed by Owoade’s predecessor, the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in apparent expectation that he would bring his reputation in community security – though historically controversial – to bear on promoting security across Yorubaland. This expectation thus far has not been met, and Owoade’s charge is a wake-up call.
