Security stakeholders vow to sustain peace in Oyo-Osun dispute
By Adejayan Gbenga –
As part of efforts to bolster regional security and enhance inter-agency collaboration, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 11, AIG Emuobo Fred Ekokotu, on Wednesday embarked on a duty tour to Oyo State. He engaged key stakeholders, including traditional rulers and security agencies, during a visit to the State Police Command in Eleyele, Ibadan.
The AIG was received by the Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Oluwole Adenola, and other senior officers. He reaffirmed the Police Force’s commitment to sustaining peace across Oyo and Osun States, emphasizing the importance of unity among security agencies, traditional institutions, and communities.
Speaking to journalists after a stakeholders’ meeting, Ekokotu addressed the recent tension between Lagelu Local Government in Oyo State and Iwo in Osun State. He noted that meetings had already been held with the deputy governors of both states and the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission to resolve the dispute.
“My visit is to reassure the people of their safety and to affirm that the Inspector-General of Police is closely monitoring the situation. Oyo is calm and will remain so. I also came to commend the good work of the Commissioner of Police and update the Olubadan on steps being taken regarding the border issue,” he said.
He urged the Olubadan to appeal to his subjects to embrace peace, stating that “nothing can be done in the absence of peace.” He also thanked stakeholders and the press for their support, noting that the job of policing cannot be done by the police alone.
On manpower challenges, Ekokotu disclosed that President Tinubu had approved police recruitment multiple times yearly. He said new recruits are currently undergoing training and will be posted back to their respective states upon completion, thereby boosting command capacity.
In his remarks, CP Adenola described Oyo as one of Nigeria’s most complex and populous states. He lauded the AIG’s leadership and pledged the command’s full support in promoting peace and security across the zone.
The visit featured gift presentations to the AIG by Barrister Ajewole on behalf of the Olubadan and CP Adenola on behalf of the Police Command. It was attended by representatives from the Nigerian Army, NSCDC, Amotekun, DSS, OYRTMA, PCRC, traditional rulers, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Arewa community, and the media.
