The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, has called for traditional rulers to be given constitutional roles in Nigeria’s security architecture, arguing that monarchs are best positioned to help tackle insecurity because of their proximity to local communities and knowledge of their environment.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS, the Soun while reacting to the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, said that the incident had further highlighted the need to formally integrate traditional institutions into efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.
“I believe that monarchs should have a role in the security of the people, and also that they are the closest to the people, and so they know the terrain, they know where things are happening, and they are prepared, and of course, when they see unusual activity, they will want to do it.”
Oba Olaoye said security remained one of the most important responsibilities of government and that monarchs could effectively contribute to safeguarding communities if given constitutional backing. “Amongst the many constitutional roles that monarchs can have, of course it’s security, because they know the terrain of where they live, they are the closest to the people.”
He maintained that traditional rulers have a vested interest in ensuring peace and security in their domains because the wellbeing of their people directly affects them. “Even giving a role like that, I believe that monarchs will do it very well, because just like government, monarchs will like their people to be secure, so security is very, very important.”
Oba Olaoye said the kidnapping of the schoolchildren came as a painful shock and attracted national attention to the affected community and the wider Ogbomoso area. “But this one now comes home to me. And it’s really the major one that has happened in the South-west.”
According to him, the incident occurred while he was outside the country for medical reasons, but he remained actively engaged through phone calls and consultations with local stakeholders and authorities. “I was outside the country, I couldn’t come in because I was doing medicals. But of course, I was always on the phone trying to get an update of what was going on.”
Oba Olaoye disclosed that security had long been a priority for the town, noting that efforts had been made over the years to improve local security arrangements and strengthen vigilance.
“We have set up a security committee three years ago, which includes retired policemen, retired military men.”
He explained that the committee had been working on strategies to improve security awareness and preparedness within the community. “The whole idea is to create security consciousness and come up with ideas for how we can make our town more secure.”
Oba Olaoye stressed that security was fundamental to the prosperity and development of any community, warning that insecurity breeds fear and undermines progress. “For the prosperity of any town, or any place, or any nation, or anything, the main thing is for security.”
Addressing concerns about government efforts to secure the release of the abducted children and teachers, He said. “What normally happens is that when you are in leadership, there is a lot that is being done, but only until results are set.”
He revealed that top government officials, including Governor Seyi Makinde, security chiefs and senior federal government officials, had shown concern over the incident and were actively involved in response efforts. “The governor also came on Sunday. And on Sunday, the chief of staff, national security advisers, a lot of them came, the inspector general of police.”
Oba Olaoye appealed to parents and residents not to allow fear prevent children from returning to school. “We cannot only man forests. We have to man different schools. We have to manage and oversee school security.”
He added that plans such as the deployment of forest guards and increased security patrols would help improve safety across communities and schools. “The whole idea of forest guards is security of the town and security of schools and wherever they are needed.”
While acknowledging the anxiety and pain being experienced by affected families. Oba Olaoye said “the parents know that it is a challenging time, but not to be afraid. Not to send our children to school. Because now, what we wanted to achieve, we will not achieve.”
The monarch reiterated that strengthening community-based security structures and formally recognising the role of traditional institutions would significantly improve efforts to prevent future incidents and enhance public safety across the country.
Erizia Rubyjeana
Follow us on:
