By: Sunday Ameh
The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has called on President Bola Tinubu to empower traditional rulers with security support and logistics to strengthen efforts against banditry and prevent further security threats in Yorubaland.
The monarch made the appeal while reacting to the recent attack on schools in the Ahoro-Esinele area of Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where scores of pupils and teachers were abducted by suspected bandits.
Condemning the incident, Oluwo described the attack as a disturbing and inhumane act that threatens the peace and heritage of the South-West region.
He stressed that traditional rulers should be equipped with security votes, operational vehicles, and other necessary logistics to improve local surveillance and security coordination within their domains.
According to him, such empowerment could begin with first-class traditional rulers who are often at the forefront of responding to security concerns within their communities.
The monarch noted that palaces usually serve as the first point of contact whenever communities face security threats, adding that strengthening traditional institutions would significantly improve rapid response to emergencies.
Oluwo further revealed that several paramilitary groups currently work alongside security agencies in Iwo to prevent criminal activities and protect residents, but lamented the lack of government support for such efforts.
He also called on South-West governors and key Yoruba stakeholders to put aside political differences and collaborate on measures to stop the growing threat of banditry in the region.
The traditional ruler urged governors across the region to convene an emergency security meeting involving traditional rulers and various security agencies to develop coordinated strategies against criminal activities.
“The attack in Ahoro-Esinele is condemnable and a serious threat to the safety of our people,” he said.
“I call on President Bola Tinubu to further strengthen security by empowering traditional rulers with the support and logistics needed to secure their communities.”
He maintained that empowering traditional institutions would enhance grassroots intelligence gathering and speed up responses to distress situations.
Oluwo also urged monarchs across Yorubaland to remain vigilant and intensify surveillance efforts within their communities to prevent future security breaches.
The recent attack in Oyo State has continued to generate reactions from stakeholders amid concerns over rising insecurity and increasing cases of bandit activities in parts of the South-West.
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