The Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has called on first-class traditional rulers across Ijesaland to forge a united front against the growing threats of insecurity, including banditry, kidnapping, politically motivated violence and illegal mining activities.
Speaking on Saturday while hosting first-class kings from across Ijesaland at the Owa Aromolaran Civic Centre, Ereja Square, Ilesa, the paramount ruler described the security challenges confronting the region as an urgent threat requiring collective action by traditional institutions alongside government security agencies.
Addressing the gathering, Oba Haastrup expressed appreciation to the monarchs for honouring the invitation, describing the meeting as one convened in response to the concerns of the people and the need to safeguard lives and property across Ijesaland.
According to the royal father, the meeting was not merely a cultural gathering but a strategic deliberation on the growing insecurity affecting communities, farmlands and forests within the region.
He observed that incidents of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes have heightened fear among residents, particularly farmers, women and children, stressing that traditional rulers, as leaders closest to the grassroots, have a critical role to play in addressing the situation.
Oba Haastrup noted that the traditional institution possesses an intimate understanding of local communities, their people and their environment, adding that such knowledge should be harnessed to support ongoing security efforts.
He also raised concerns over illegal mining activities in parts of Ijesaland, warning that the unlawful exploitation of mineral resources by unauthorised individuals poses both security and environmental risks to host communities.
The paramount ruler urged fellow monarchs not to leave the responsibility of protecting their communities solely to government and conventional security agencies, but to work collectively in complementing official efforts.
As part of measures discussed, the Owa Obokun advocated the revitalisation of local vigilante groups and community security outfits, encouraging closer collaboration between community-based security structures and law enforcement agencies.
He also called for improved community-based screening and monitoring mechanisms, urging village heads and community leaders to keep proper records of new settlers, monitor activities within forest areas and promptly report suspicious movements and illegal mining operations.
In addition, the monarch emphasised the importance of traditional institutions in promoting accountability and discouraging criminality, while urging traditional rulers to remain united in defending their communities.
Oba Haastrup further discouraged the payment of ransom to kidnappers, arguing that such actions only embolden criminal elements and encourage further attacks.
He appealed to all traditional rulers in Ijesaland to strengthen cooperation among themselves through intelligence sharing, mutual support and coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
"What affects one community today could become the challenge of another tomorrow," he said, urging the monarchs to remain steadfast in protecting the lives, property and heritage of the Ijesa people.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the royal fathers to continue engaging relevant stakeholders and supporting efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability across Ijesaland.
More photos:
Coverage pictures by Oladimeji [email protected], +2347035105413
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