Alaafin advocates indigenous intelligence, traditional institutions in fight against insecurity

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has called for the integration of traditional institutions and indigenous intelligence systems into Nigeria’s security architecture as part of efforts to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.

The monarch said Yoruba traditional structures, cultural values and community-based knowledge could complement the work of conventional security agencies by strengthening grassroots intelligence gathering and encouraging greater community participation in crime prevention.

Oba Owoade made the call during the grand finale of this year’s Egungun Festival held at the ancient Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, where he delivered a lecture on the theme, “Call of the Ancestors for the Protection of Yorubaland.”

According to the traditional ruler, local hunters, traditional practitioners and community groups possess extensive knowledge of their environments, which can assist security agencies in identifying threats, monitoring suspicious movements and preventing criminal activities, particularly in rural communities.

He further noted that Yoruba traditional institutions have historically played a vital role in maintaining peace and social order by promoting discipline, accountability and communal values, adding that virtues such as good character, respect for elders and peaceful coexistence remain essential in addressing contemporary security challenges.

Furthermore, Oba Owoade advocated the incorporation of native intelligence into Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategy, stressing that traditional rulers are strategically positioned at the grassroots to provide timely information on developments, movements and potential security threats within their communities.

The Alaafin also emphasised the need to preserve and promote Yoruba cultural heritage, describing the Yoruba civilisation and the Ifa knowledge system as enduring African legacies that have gained global recognition, particularly among people of African descent in the diaspora.

Meanwhile, speakers at the festival underscored the broader significance of the Egungun celebration, noting that beyond its cultural and spiritual importance, the festival promotes peacebuilding, boosts tourism and stimulates economic activities by supporting indigenous artisans, textile producers and other local businesses.