The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has assured residents that the community will not succumb to fear despite growing security challenges, particularly the recent abduction of schoolchildren, teachers, and other residents in parts of the area.
Speaking in an address to the people of Ogbomosoland following an emergency stakeholders’ security meeting held at his palace on Friday, the monarch said the gathering brought together traditional rulers, security experts, professionals, community representatives, and indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora to chart a way forward.
According to the monarch, more than 80 participants joined the meeting virtually from different parts of the world, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing the security situation in Ogbomosoland.
Oba Olaoye reaffirmed his commitment to the safety, security, and prosperity of the people, stressing that the palace has intensified engagements with security agencies at all levels.
A major outcome of the meeting, he disclosed, was the harmonisation of the Ogbomoso Consultative Council (OCC) Security Committee with the Security Committee of the Ogbomoso 25-Year Development Vision.
The unified structure will be chaired by the Aare Mayegun of Ogbomosoland, Rear Admiral Ajani (Rtd.), and is expected to coordinate intelligence, resources, expertise, and community participation in tackling insecurity.
Among the resolutions reached at the meeting were the strengthening of intelligence gathering and community-based security networks, establishment of communication hubs for reporting security threats, and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups, hunters, and other local security structures.
The stakeholders also resolved to advocate for improved telecommunications coverage in vulnerable communities, create support systems for affected families, mobilise resources through the proposed Ogbomosoland Security Trust Fund, and intensify public awareness campaigns on security matters.
The monarch further revealed that a high-powered delegation from Ogbomosoland would soon engage Governor Seyi Makinde and later meet with relevant authorities at the Presidency and federal level to seek urgent intervention and present recommendations on the security situation.
While appreciating the concern and support of well-wishers within and outside Nigeria, Oba Olaoye stressed that the people of Ogbomosoland were taking responsibility for the security of their communities.
“We are not just waiting helplessly for others to save us. We are organising, mobilising, contributing, planning, and taking action. We are standing together as one people, determined to protect our communities and secure our future,” he said.
He urged all sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, both at home and abroad, to support ongoing efforts through responsible information sharing, volunteerism, advocacy, and contributions to approved security initiatives.
Describing the current situation as a moment that demands unity rather than division, the monarch expressed optimism that through collective action, cooperation with security agencies, and divine intervention, the challenges would be overcome and those currently in captivity would regain their freedom.
He prayed for God’s continued protection and blessings upon Ogbomosoland and its people.
