WHEN A KING THINKS BEYOND HIS THRONE: THE SOUN OF OGBOMOSOLAND AND THE IMPERATIVE OF COLLECTIVE SECURITY

A visionary monarch, dedicated organisers and committed stakeholders unite around a common mission to secure Ogbomosoland and safeguard its development aspirations.

By Sayo Alagbe

There are kings who reign, and there are kings who lead. There are monarchs whose influence is confined to the grandeur of their palaces, and there are those whose vision stretches beyond the walls of their royal residences to embrace the hopes, fears, aspirations and future of their people. When history comes to assess contemporary traditional leadership in Ogbomosoland, the initiative demonstrated by His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, in convening the 2026 Ogbomosoland Security Summit will stand as a significant chapter in the evolving story of purposeful traditional leadership.

The summit, held on September 30, 2026, at the Great Hall of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, was more than a gathering of eminent personalities. It was a statement of intent, a demonstration of collective responsibility and a clarion call to action.

Under the theme, “Community-Based Security Management in Ogbomosoland: Issues, Challenges and Prospects,” the gathering confronted one of the most pressing questions of our time: how can a community aspire to greatness when the security of its people, property and economic activities cannot be guaranteed?

That question is particularly important as Ogbomosoland pursues the 25-Year Ogbomoso Development Vision championed by the Soun.

Indeed, development is not merely about roads, buildings, educational institutions, commercial activities or ambitious investment proposals. These are essential components of progress, but they cannot flourish in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity. Investors require confidence. Farmers require safe access to their farmlands. Traders need secure markets and transportation routes. Parents want their children to attend school without fear, while communities deserve to sleep peacefully in their homes.

Security, therefore, is not an isolated government responsibility. It is the foundation upon which the aspirations of a people must be built.

And this is where the significance of the Soun’s initiative becomes particularly compelling.

A MONARCHY WITH A MISSION

By bringing traditional rulers, security agencies, government representatives, academics, community leaders, professionals and other stakeholders to the same table, the Soun demonstrated an appreciation of a fundamental truth: no institution, however powerful, can effectively address the complex challenges of community security in isolation.

The reported attendance of more than 40 traditional rulers from across Ogbomosoland was especially significant. It represented an opportunity to strengthen unity among royal fathers whose respective domains form part of a shared geographical, cultural and historical identity.

In a society where traditional institutions remain important channels of communication, community mobilisation and conflict resolution, such unity is invaluable.

The Soun’s initiative reinforces the proposition that royal leadership must extend beyond the preservation of cultural heritage to embrace practical interventions that promote human welfare, social harmony and sustainable development.

A throne derives enduring relevance not merely from its antiquity or ceremonial splendour, but also from its capacity to inspire confidence, encourage cooperation and mobilise people towards a common purpose.

In this regard, the security summit deserves recognition as an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the future of Ogbomosoland.

The Soun’s reported declaration, “We must secure Ogbomosoland so that Ogbomosoland can rise,” captures the essence of this vision in a few memorable words.

It is a statement that connects security with prosperity, collective responsibility with community advancement, and the present generation’s obligations with the aspirations of generations yet unborn.

KUDOS TO THE ORGANISERS: A TRIUMPH OF COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT

While the Soun’s royal leadership provided the vision and moral impetus, the success of an undertaking of this magnitude also deserves to be acknowledged through the contributions of those who worked diligently to translate the vision into reality.

Special kudos must go to Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (Rtd.), Chairman, Organising Committee and Dr. Femi Babajide, Chairman Communiqué Committee for their respective roles in the summit.

Their contributions, alongside the efforts of committee members and numerous other stakeholders, deserve commendation for helping to make the Ogbomosoland Security Summit 2026 a significant gathering devoted to the peace, safety and development of the people.

Organising a summit of this nature requires more than an inspiring idea. It demands meticulous planning, effective coordination, stakeholder mobilisation, intellectual engagement and a shared determination to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Bringing together more than 40 traditional rulers, representatives of security agencies, government officials, academics, community leaders, professionals and other participants was a considerable undertaking. It required the collective commitment of people who recognised the importance of placing security at the centre of Ogbomosoland’s development agenda.

Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (RTD), as Chairman of the Organising Committee, deserves particular recognition for his role in coordinating the organisational efforts that brought the summit to fruition. An event that assembles such a broad spectrum of stakeholders must provide a platform where diverse experiences, concerns and ideas can be brought together in pursuit of a common objective.

Similarly, Dr. Babajide, as Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, deserves commendation for his role in the process of documenting the summit’s observations, resolutions and recommendations.

The communiqué is more than a formal record of proceedings. It provides a framework for translating discussions into practical proposals covering community intelligence, grassroots security committees, inter-agency cooperation, local government participation, youth education, regional collaboration and sustainable security funding.

A summit’s discussions can only achieve their full purpose when its conclusions are clearly documented, communicated and followed by deliberate implementation. The communiqué therefore constitutes an important link between the deliberations of the summit and the actions expected from the participating institutions and communities.

Beyond the two committee chairmen, recognition must also be extended to the more than 40 traditional rulers, security professionals, government representatives, academics, community leaders, resource persons, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and other stakeholders whose individual and collective contributions helped make the summit possible.

Every successful collective undertaking depends on people who are willing to contribute their time, knowledge, resources and experience to a shared purpose.

The Ogbomosoland Security Summit provides an opportunity to appreciate this spirit of cooperation.

The Soun deserves commendation for the vision; Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (Rtd.) and Dr. Femi Babajide deserve recognition for their respective committee leadership; and all other stakeholders deserve appreciation for contributing to an initiative dedicated to the security and progress of Ogbomosoland.

Nevertheless, the greatest tribute to the organisers and participants will be the successful implementation of the summit’s resolutions.

For the real value of a gathering of this nature lies not simply in its organisation or attendance, but in its ability to inspire concrete actions that improve people’s lives.

THE SECURITY TRUST FUND: FROM WORDS TO ACTION

Perhaps one of the summit’s most consequential initiatives was the launch of the Ogbomoso Security Trust Fund.

For too long, many communities have recognised security challenges without developing sufficiently sustainable mechanisms to support the resources, equipment, logistics and infrastructure needed to address them.

The establishment of a dedicated fund offers an opportunity to mobilise the goodwill, financial capacity and collective commitment of Ogbomoso indigenes at home and abroad, as well as corporate organisations and other well-wishers.

Ogbomoso has a considerable human resource base, including professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, academics and businesspeople whose experience and contributions could support the development of their ancestral home.

The challenge is to transform that collective potential into measurable public benefit.

Nevertheless, the success of the Security Trust Fund will depend not on the enthusiasm surrounding its launch, but on the integrity of its management and the tangible results it produces.

Transparency must be non-negotiable. Contributions must be properly accounted for, expenditure must be documented, and the public must receive regular reports on the fund’s activities and achievements.

Independent oversight, appropriate financial controls and clearly defined priorities would help strengthen public confidence and encourage sustained contributions.

The fund must become an instrument of practical intervention rather than merely a symbol of good intentions.

If managed responsibly, it could demonstrate how collective philanthropy and community solidarity can complement the legitimate responsibilities of government.

‘WE MUST NOT WAIT FOR ANOTHER ORIIRE’

The summit’s reference to lessons from the Oriire abduction incident, accompanied by the declaration, “We must not wait for another Oriire to happen,” deserves serious reflection.

Behind every security incident are human lives disrupted, families traumatised, livelihoods threatened and communities left with painful questions about their safety.

The true measure of an effective security system is not simply its response after tragedy has occurred, but its capacity to identify risks, detect warning signs and prevent avoidable harm.

This is why the summit’s emphasis on timely intelligence, accurate information and early warning is important.

Residents must be encouraged to report credible concerns without fear of intimidation or exposure. At the same time, authorities and community leaders must guard against the dangers of rumour, false accusations, vigilantism and the indiscriminate circulation of unverified information.

A responsible security culture requires vigilance without panic, cooperation without recklessness, and firmness without disregard for fundamental human rights.

The proposed community security committees could help cultivate this culture if their membership, responsibilities and reporting channels are clearly defined.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, youth representatives, traders and other community stakeholders all have roles to play in promoting awareness and responsible citizenship.

Security must become a shared civic commitment, guided by law, reliable information and respect for human dignity.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUST NOT BE A SPECTATOR

One aspect of the communiqué that deserves particular attention is the concern expressed over the absence of local government chairmen at the summit.

Local governments occupy a strategic position in grassroots administration. Their responsibilities and proximity to residents make their participation in community security planning particularly important.

The absence of their chairmen, as reported in the communiqué, raises a legitimate question about the level of institutional commitment to a matter that directly affects the lives and livelihoods of local residents.

Security cannot be effectively decentralised to communities while the local authorities responsible for grassroots administration remain detached from the process.

The appropriate response is constructive engagement: local government leaders should be encouraged to participate actively in subsequent meetings, support the proposed security committees and establish effective channels of communication with traditional institutions and relevant security agencies.

Equally important is the need for local authorities to engage state and federal institutions in addressing infrastructure deficiencies, unemployment, inadequate public amenities and other challenges that can deepen community vulnerability.

Good governance does not eliminate every security threat, but responsive institutions can strengthen public trust and improve the environment in which security agencies operate.

Ogbomosoland’s development aspirations require this kind of partnership.

OGBOMOSO MUST THINK BEYOND ITS BORDERS

Another important dimension of the summit was the recognition of Ogbomoso’s strategic geographical position as a connection between parts of northern and southwestern Nigeria.

Such a position presents opportunities for commerce, transportation, social interaction and economic growth. It also makes regional cooperation important in addressing security threats that may cross administrative boundaries.

Criminal activities do not always respect local government or state boundaries. Consequently, an effective security arrangement in Ogbomosoland cannot operate as though developments in neighbouring jurisdictions are irrelevant.

The proposed “strategic security handshake” offers a useful framework for encouraging communication, intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among neighbouring communities, local governments and states.

This cooperation should be supported by clear operational arrangements, lawful information-sharing procedures and established channels for collaboration among the relevant security agencies.

The recommendation to map vulnerable locations, remote roads, entry points, communication facilities and poorly illuminated areas is equally worthy of attention.

Such mapping could assist in identifying priority areas for intervention, improving emergency response and directing limited resources towards locations where they are most needed.

These are practical considerations that deserve to move swiftly from the conference table to the implementation stage.

EDUCATION: THE QUIET FOUNDATION OF LASTING PEACE

The summit also recognised that sustainable security cannot be separated from education, moral development and meaningful opportunities for young people.

This is a particularly important consideration in a society that must prepare its children and youths to become responsible citizens and productive contributors to community development.

Keeping children in school, expanding access to skills acquisition and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement should form part of a comprehensive strategy for building resilient communities.

However, young people must not be viewed merely as potential security risks. They are also valuable partners in intelligence awareness, public enlightenment, technological innovation, civic responsibility and peacebuilding.

The Police Community Relations Committee Schools Initiative, which the communiqué says was launched with the Soun as Grand Patron, provides an opportunity to introduce students to responsible citizenship and appropriate security awareness.

Its effectiveness will depend on sustained implementation, age-appropriate education and constructive collaboration among schools, parents, community leaders and security institutions.

The summit’s insistence on translating its proceedings and communiqué into Yoruba is also commendable.

A security policy that remains inaccessible to ordinary residents cannot achieve its full potential. Translating technical presentations and recommendations into the language understood by the people is a practical way of broadening participation and strengthening community ownership.

Indeed, security enlightenment must speak the language of the people if it is to become part of their everyday lives.

THE REAL TEST IS IMPLEMENTATION

As deserving as the Soun, the organisers and the participating stakeholders are of commendation, the greatest tribute that Ogbomosoland can pay them is to ensure that the resolutions are implemented.

A well-organised summit is an achievement. A clearly written communiqué is a useful record. A security trust fund is a promising instrument. But none of these, standing alone, can guarantee the safety of a single community.

The next phase must be defined by action.

Community security committees must be established and made functional. Local governments must demonstrate active participation. Traditional rulers must sustain cooperation. Security agencies must strengthen appropriate channels of engagement with residents. The Security Trust Fund must operate transparently, and the proposed security mapping must lead to practical interventions.

There should also be periodic assessments of progress, with identifiable responsibilities, measurable targets and clear reporting mechanisms.

The organisers and relevant institutions could consider establishing an implementation committee to coordinate these activities, monitor progress and periodically communicate achievements and outstanding challenges to the public.

Such an arrangement would help ensure that the summit does not become another well-intentioned gathering whose resolutions gradually disappear from public attention.

The contributions of Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (Rtd.), Dr. Femi Babajide and other stakeholders will acquire even greater significance if their efforts culminate in sustainable structures and measurable improvements in community safety.

Their work has helped bring stakeholders together around a common objective. The responsibility now rests with all concerned to preserve that momentum and ensure that the initiative produces lasting benefits.

A ROYAL VISION, A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

Ultimately, the Ogbomosoland Security Summit represents an important opportunity to deepen the relationship between traditional leadership, public institutions and the people.

It offers a reminder that the future of a community cannot be entrusted to one institution alone, however respected or influential that institution may be.

The Soun has provided an important platform for collective reflection and action. The organisers have brought stakeholders together and articulated recommendations that deserve serious consideration. The traditional rulers have demonstrated the potential of collective engagement, while the launch of the Security Trust Fund has created an avenue for mobilising additional resources.

The participation and contributions of Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (Rtd.), Dr. Femi Babajide and the wider body of stakeholders further demonstrate the value of combining leadership, organisation, professional experience and community commitment in pursuit of a shared goal.

The responsibility now rests with all concerned to sustain the momentum.

Ogbomosoland must not allow its security aspirations to be confined to ceremonial declarations. Its communities deserve practical measures that protect lives, safeguard property, support economic activities and create an atmosphere in which children can learn, businesses can grow and families can live without persistent fear.

The Soun’s development vision will require roads, schools, healthcare, commerce, investment and social infrastructure. But all these aspirations depend, in no small measure, on the existence of a secure environment.

That is why the message of the summit deserves to resonate far beyond the walls of the Great Hall at LAUTECH.

A king who calls his people to protect their collective future deserves to be heard. Organisers who create a platform for meaningful deliberation deserve recognition. Stakeholders who contribute their knowledge, resources and experience deserve appreciation. And a community that translates these collective efforts into sustained, responsible action stands to benefit from the greatest reward of all: a safer and more prosperous homeland.

The enduring legacy of the Ogbomosoland Security Summit will not be measured by the number of dignitaries who attended, the grandeur of the occasion or the eloquence of its declarations. It will be measured by the lives protected, the threats prevented, the confidence restored and the communities made safer.

The Soun has articulated the vision. The organisers have helped provide the platform. Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (Rtd.), Dr. Femi Babajide and other stakeholders have contributed to the collective effort. The summit has outlined a path.

The time has come for every stakeholder to play a part in making that vision a reality.

For, as the Soun aptly declared:

“WE MUST SECURE OGBOMOSOLAND SO THAT OGBOMOSOLAND CAN RISE.”