Addressing Rising Insecurity in Yorubaland
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has called for urgent action to tackle the growing insecurity in the region. On Sunday, he directed the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to initiate wide-ranging consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders. The goal is to develop practical, community-driven support systems that can complement formal security structures, especially in areas such as intelligence sharing and early warning mechanisms.
In a statement issued by his Director of Culture and Public Relations, Ademola Adeniyi, in Ibadan, Oyo State, the monarch emphasized that these measures are necessary and time-sensitive. He stressed that they must be pursued within the framework of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ensuring alignment with lawful security operations.
Recent incidents have highlighted the severity of the situation. According to reports, gunmen attacked the Forest Guards at Old Oyo National Park in Oloka, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at around 11:30 pm. This attack resulted in the deaths of five National Park Service officers. Additionally, four farmers were killed in Igboho, Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State. The abduction of a nursing mother and her child in Supare/Ajegunle, Akoko South Local Government Area of Ondo State, further heightened fears in parts of the region.
The Alaafin urged authorities at all levels to maintain constant and transparent communication with affected communities. He noted that visible leadership and timely information are essential in preventing panic, building trust, and strengthening coordinated responses. The statement emphasized that recent high-level engagements, including interactions with the paramount traditional ruler of Jebba, Oba Adebara, in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, reflect the palace’s firm resolve that the protection of lives and property cannot be delayed or compromised.
Key Steps to Combat Insecurity
The statement outlined several key steps to address the current security challenges:
- Engaging Traditional Leaders: The Alaafin advised the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, to commence wide-ranging consultations for local and traditional intervention with traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders to stem the wave of insecurity in Yorubaland.
- Community Vigilance: 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.
- Transparent Communication: Authorities at all levels must maintain constant, transparent communication with affected communities. Visible leadership and timely information are essential in preventing panic, building trust, and strengthening coordinated responses.
Commitment to Peace and Security
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, in line with the urgency of the current security situation.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that the traditional institution stands ready to support efforts aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity and fostering a safer environment for all. It called for unity, cooperation, and a shared responsibility among all sectors of society to ensure lasting peace and security in Yorubaland.
