The Oniroko of Iroko Kingdom in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Olusegun Ayinde Feyijinmi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the move to establish state police, a bill currently undergoing legislative processes at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The monarch described the step as a welcome development that would significantly tackle insecurity across the country, praising the President’s political courage in initiating the reform.
Speaking with journalists in his palace, Oba Feyijinmi noted that securing the nation must begin from the grassroots.
”I salute our President for taking this bold step because security is paramount. Without security, no meaningful progress can be achieved,” the monarch said.
”Security must be decentralised to the state, local government, ward and traditional levels because monarchs know the people residing within their domains,” he added.
Inclusion of Local Security Outfits
Oba Feyijinmi advocated a clear constitutional role for traditional rulers in the state policing framework to ensure maximum efficiency.
”We want constitutional provisions for royal fathers in the state police structure. Every community understands its unique security landscape.
”Traditional security bodies like the Jagunmolu, Oluode, and Akogun should be integrated into the state police system to collaborate effectively with conventional officers,” he emphasised.
Community Policing Initiatives in Iroko
Highlighting measures taken in his domain, the monarch revealed that security has been his top priority since ascending the throne, leading to the construction of a modern police station in the town.
He stated that the palace conducts regular security meetings with Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional chiefs (Baales), and leaders of the Hausa and Igbo communities to review local security situations and proactively address potential threats.
”While we acknowledge that all residents are Nigerians, we will never allow criminal elements to destroy Iroko,” Oba Feyijinmi asserted.
To streamline accountability following incidents of kidnapping in surrounding regions, the monarch disclosed that non-indigene groups were instructed to elect recognised leaders.
Consequently, a verified Hausa leader was recently turbaned as the Seriki of the town.
Furthermore, all non-indigene residents have been documented using standardised registration forms backed by signed agreements from their respective community leaders.
Developmental Milestones and Local Relations
Describing his relationship with the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege, as a warm “father-and-son” bond, Oba Feyijinmi noted that preparations were underway to celebrate the paramount ruler’s 60th birthday.
Reflecting on his seven-year reign, the Oniroko highlighted key infrastructural achievements, including:
Healthcare Upgrade: Transitioning the community’s health centre into a fully functional allopathic healthcare facility through communal effort and local government collaboration.
Infrastructure: Setting up a community task force, the “Concerned Group,” which mobilised resources to repair critical access roads.
Commerce: Establishing a central market to boost local economic activity.
Empowerment: Launching skill acquisition programs targeting youths, elders, widows, and vulnerable groups.
Monarch Dismisses Critics
Addressing rumours circulated by detractors attempting to discredit his administration, Oba Feyijinmi attributed such actions to envy and detractors’ resistance to progress.
”Envy is human nature. When good things happen, opposition often arises, but that will not derail our progress. I am ruling on my ancestral land, backed by our forefathers and the overwhelming support of Iroko citizens,” he stated.
Challenging critics to present valid legal claims, he added:
”I have repeatedly challenged anyone with genuine grievances to go to court with evidence. Eight years on, no one has come forward because these claims are baseless. I leave my detractors to God.”
