The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has pledged unwavering support for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, emphasizing that ensuring the safety of the nation is a collective responsibility.
This assurance came as the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Igbalawole Sotiyo, called on traditional rulers within the state to collaborate with the Corps in addressing security challenges.
Sotiyo highlighted the strategic role of monarchs as custodians of culture and tradition, noting that their close ties with their communities position them to provide crucial, first-hand information on local developments.
In a statement released in Osogbo on Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Osun Command, Kehinde Adeleke, it was revealed that Sotiyo made these remarks during a courtesy visit to the Ooni.
He stressed the importance of synergy between traditional leaders and security agencies, asserting that such partnerships are vital for maintaining peace and ensuring a crime-free society.
“I am here to seek your support to achieve success. The security agencies need the traditional rulers’ support. You are the custodian of the land and the people are closer to you,” Sotiyo said.
He further explained, “Once the traditional rulers help us to pass the information across to their people in terms of security and also give us the information we needed for our job, it will make our work easier. There will always be peace in places where traditional rulers cooperate with the security agencies, but once there is no synergy between the traditional rulers and the security agencies, there will be lapses. That is why we want our royal fathers to support us. Since I assumed duty here in Osun State, I and my men have been going around the state to ensure that security is intact.”
In his response, Oba Ogunwusi expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated his commitment to supporting the Corps in fostering a secure and harmonious society.
“I want to thank you for coming to visit me, and I can assure you of my utmost support in ensuring we have a peaceful society. The safety of the country is everybody’s business,” the monarch said.
