Oluwo urges politicians to stop politicising insecurity

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has urged politicians across the country to stop politicising insecurity, describing those who do so as “political bandits.”

In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the monarch called on political actors to support the government in addressing the growing security challenges facing the country, stressing that no administration can succeed without the cooperation of citizens and key stakeholders.

Oba Akanbi expressed concern over what he described as the persistent criticism of government efforts without corresponding support or practical contributions toward solving the problem.

He noted that insecurity does not recognise political, ethnic, or religious affiliations and urged leaders across party lines to work together in finding lasting solutions to banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.

The traditional ruler also called on the National Assembly to enact laws prescribing stiffer penalties for individuals involved in banditry and related criminal activities.

“It saddens me to read in the media about politicians politicising insecurity. It is a clear demonstration of political immaturity, insensitivity, and political banditry. Victims of insecurity are not members of any particular political party. Banditry knows neither your ethnic nor political affiliation,” he said.

The monarch appealed to politicians from all political parties to cooperate with the current administration in the fight against insecurity, noting that no country has successfully tackled such challenges without broad stakeholder support.

He further urged opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, to engage constructively with President Bola Tinubu and contribute ideas that could help address the nation’s security challenges.