The Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, has assured residents that the community will not be intimidated by growing security threats, declaring that Ogbomoso remains united and determined to confront insecurity through collective action.
The monarch gave the assurance after an emergency stakeholders’ security meeting held at his palace on Friday, following recent incidents of kidnapping involving schoolchildren, teachers, and other residents in parts of Ogbomosoland.
According to Oba Olaoye, the meeting brought together traditional rulers, security professionals, community leaders, and Ogbomoso indigenes from across Nigeria and the diaspora to deliberate on practical measures to address the worsening security situation.
He revealed that more than 80 participants joined the meeting virtually from different parts of the world, reflecting the widespread concern and commitment of Ogbomoso sons and daughters toward safeguarding their homeland.
The monarch reaffirmed his dedication to the safety and well-being of residents, noting that the palace has intensified consultations and collaboration with security agencies at various levels.
One of the major resolutions reached at the meeting was the merger of the Ogbomoso Consultative Council Security Committee with the Security Committee of the Ogbomoso 25-Year Development Vision. The unified body will be headed by the Aare Mayegun of Ogbomosoland, Rear Admiral Ajani (Rtd.), and will coordinate intelligence gathering, resource mobilisation, professional expertise, and community participation in security operations.
Stakeholders also agreed to strengthen intelligence networks and community-based security structures, establish communication centres for reporting security threats, and improve collaboration among security agencies, local vigilante groups, hunters, and other grassroots security outfits.
Other resolutions included advocating improved telecommunications coverage in vulnerable communities, creating support mechanisms for victims and affected families, mobilising resources through a proposed Ogbomosoland Security Trust Fund, and expanding public awareness campaigns on security-related issues.
Oba Olaoye further disclosed that a high-level delegation from Ogbomosoland would soon meet with Oyo State Governor, , before proceeding to engage officials at the Presidency and relevant federal authorities to seek urgent intervention and present recommendations aimed at improving security in the area.
Appreciating the support and concern shown by well-wishers both within and outside Nigeria, the monarch emphasised that the people of Ogbomosoland were taking proactive steps to secure their communities.
“We are not just waiting helplessly for others to save us. We are organising, mobilising, contributing, planning, and taking action. We are standing together as one people, determined to protect our communities and secure our future,” he said.
He called on all indigenes of Ogbomosoland, regardless of their location, to support ongoing security efforts through responsible information sharing, volunteer services, advocacy, and contributions to approved security initiatives.
Describing the security challenges as a test of unity and resilience, Oba Olaoye expressed confidence that through cooperation, strategic planning, support from security agencies, and divine intervention, peace would be restored and those currently held captive would regain their freedom.
He also offered prayers for the continued protection, peace, and prosperity of Ogbomosoland and its people.
