Alaafin urges Gani Adams to engage traditional rulers on Yorubaland insecurity

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Sunday charged the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to commence wide-ranging consultations for local and traditional interventions with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders to stem the wave of insecurity in Yorubaland.

Owoade, in a statement by his Director of Culture and Public Relations, Ademola Adeniyi, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the initiative was aimed at establishing practical, community-driven support systems that would complement formal security structures, particularly in intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms.

The monarch said the actions are not only necessary but time-sensitive and must be pursued within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ensuring full alignment with lawful security operations.

It will be recalled that gunmen, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, attacked forest guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area of the state, at about 11:30 p.m., killing five Nigeria Park Service officers in their office.

There were also reports of four farmers killed in Igboho, in Oorelope Local Government Area of the state, while the abduction of a nursing mother and her child in Supare/Ajegunle in Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State has heightened fear in some communities in the region.

The Alaafin, in the statement on Sunday, urged authorities at all levels to maintain constant and transparent communication with affected communities, noting that visible leadership and timely information are essential in preventing panic, building trust, and strengthening coordinated responses.

The statement read, “Recent high-level engagements, including interactions with the paramount traditional ruler of Jebba, Oba Adebara, in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, regarding the security situation in that axis, further reflect the palace’s firm resolve that the protection of lives and property cannot be delayed or compromised.

“The Alaafin also urges authorities at all levels to maintain constant, transparent communication with affected communities, as visible leadership and timely information are essential in preventing panic, building trust, and strengthening coordinated responses.

“I also advise the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to commence wide-ranging consultations for local and traditional interventions with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders to stem the wave of insecurity in Yorubaland.

“At this critical moment, citizens are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and cooperative with security agencies. Properly guided community vigilance and organisation can significantly enhance early detection of threats and improve collective resilience.

“The palace reiterates that the right of every citizen to live in peace and security is non-negotiable. Achieving this requires urgent, collective action anchored on lawful collaboration between government, security agencies, and community structures.”

The monarch reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to work closely with all stakeholders to restore safety, stability, and confidence across affected areas with the urgency the situation demands.