The Oluwo of Iwo, , has urged President to strengthen traditional rulers with security funding and logistics to help combat banditry and prevent further attacks in Yorubaland.
The monarch made the appeal while reacting to the recent attack on schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where gunmen abducted dozens of pupils and teachers from Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School, Esiele; and L.A. Primary School, Ahoro-Esinele.
At least 45 pupils and teachers were reportedly kidnapped during the May 15 attack. Reports also indicated that one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly killed by the attackers in a video circulated online.
In a statement released on Monday through his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Alli, the traditional ruler called for the provision of security votes, patrol vehicles, and other logistics to traditional institutions, beginning with first-class monarchs.
According to him, palaces are usually the first point of contact during security emergencies, making it necessary for governments to empower traditional rulers for quicker responses to threats in their communities.
Akanbi explained that several paramilitary groups in Iwo currently work alongside the police and other security agencies to monitor criminal activities, but said they receive little or no government support.
He also urged South-West governors and Yoruba stakeholders to unite and develop a coordinated security strategy to stop the spread of banditry across the region.
The monarch further called for an emergency meeting involving governors, traditional rulers, and security agencies to improve collaboration and strengthen local surveillance systems.
Describing the Oyo school attack as a “heinous act,” the Oluwo said the incident was a direct assault on Yoruba heritage and called on leaders in the South-West to take urgent action to prevent future attacks.
He added that improved support for traditional rulers would enhance intelligence gathering and speed up emergency responses, stressing that monarchs across Yorubaland must remain vigilant and strengthen security surveillance within their domains.
