By: Femi Emmanuel
Panelists at a security summit in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have expressed disappointment over the conspicuous absence of the chairmen of the five local government areas in Ogbomoso zone, describing their participation as crucial to effective grassroots security management.
The panelists, who included Ambassador (Chief) Akin Oyateru, Prof. Emmanuel Remi Aiyede, AIG Bolanta Adisa (rtd.) and CP Fatai Owoseni (rtd.), made their observations during a security summit organised under the auspices of the 25-year development vision of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III.
The summit, held at The Great Hall, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, had as its theme: “Community-Based Security Management in Ogbomosoland: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.”
The panelists stressed the pivotal role of local government authorities in maintaining security at the grassroots, urging them to commit adequate resources to security while ensuring accountability and responsible utilisation of such funds.
“The local government authorities must have adequate amounts voted for security, but they must be responsible and accountable,” the panelists stressed.
The summit attracted more than 40 traditional rulers from the five local government areas of Ogbomosoland, alongside chiefs, captains of industry, school principals, security experts, serving and retired security officers, and representatives of various local security outfits.
Representatives of the Vice-Chancellor of LAUTECH, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Ogbomoso, and some principal officers of the institution also attended the event.
The occasion also witnessed the launch of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Safe Schools Initiative and Booster-M-App, as well as the establishment of a Security Trust Fund aimed at strengthening community-based security initiatives across Ogbomosoland.
The discussion, moderated by Dr. Olayinka Oyegbile, focused extensively on the responsibilities of stakeholders, particularly local government authorities, in preventing crime, protecting communities and creating a sustainable security framework.
More than 40 traditional rulers from across Ogbomosoland participated actively in the deliberations, underscoring the importance of traditional institutions in community security and development.
Among the royal fathers present were the Soun of Ogbomosoland; Alajaawa of Ajaawa; Alapa of Okin-Apa; Aale of Okelerin; Onisapa of Isapa; Alaipo of Aipo; Olotamokun of Otamokun; Onifedegbo of Fedegbo; Aare Alaasa of Ogbomosoland; Alaroje of Aroje; Alaaje of Aaje Ologo; Alabaa of Abaa; Olubere of Ibere; Onilota of Ilota; Abora of Ora; Elerepamo of Pamo; Onidewure of Idewure; Olosupa of Osupa-Orile; Alara Fapote; Onimaya of Maya; Alamura Ladokun; and Olorigi of Origi.
Also in attendance were prominent chiefs, including the Areago of Ogbomosoland, Ikolaba of Ogbomosoland, Abese of Ogbomosoland, Iyalode of Ogbomosoland, Alapo of Ogbomosoland, Oganla of Ogbomosoland and Agbaakin of Okin-Apa.
However, the Chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government, Hon. George Ogunlade, explained that his absence from the summit was not deliberate, saying it was caused by a clash with an official state engagement.
Ogunlade said he was attending a budget bilateral discussion, review and harmonisation exercise organised by government officials at Ogunlola Hall, Oja’Igbo, Ogbomoso.
According to him, the officials arrived at the venue after 12 noon, making it impossible for him to attend the security summit.
“It was not intentional,” Ogunlade said.
Findings indicated that the other local government chairmen in the zone were also engaged in other commitments which they considered unavoidable.
The summit nevertheless reaffirmed the need for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, local governments, security agencies, community organisations and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable and coordinated security framework for Ogbomosoland.
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