Return Of Political Power To Traditional Institution, Antidote To Insecurities In Nigeria – Monarch

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

An Osun traditional ruler, the Lowa Adimula of Ile-Ife kingdom, His Royal Highness , Oba Adeyeye Adekola Abraham has posited that the best ways for Nigeria to overcome the current security challenges threatening the country was for the government to return power to the traditional rulers.

The monarch said the federal government must devolve more powers to the traditional rulers, especially in the areas of security and economy, else the country would continue to sit on a keg of gunpowder with the possibility of another mayhem worse than what the country is currently witnessing.

Fielding questions from journalists in his palace in Ile-Ife, Oba Abraham sternly warned various governments, politicians and other critical stakeholders against treating the issue of youth unemployment and insecurity lightly, saying they could destroy the country.

The Lowa Adimula of Ife kingdom who expressed worry over the security situation in the country called for holistic approach in the quest to end security challenges in the country.

He urged Nigerians particularly the stakeholders and security agencies to partner the traditional rulers in the fight against the scourge.

He tasked the government and the citizens to remain committed to the peace and unity of the country pledging the readiness of the traditional rulers to partner the government in combating the scourge of insecurity in Nigeria.

The monarch said for the country to overcome the menace, security agencies must collaborate with the traditional rulers, sensitise and encourage their subjects to provide intelligence and expose the criminals in their domains.

He said: “For me as a traditional ruler, in Ile-Ife, I am appealing to the federal government that they should bring the power back to the traditional rulers. The traditional rulers know the nooks and crannies of their communities.

“If things keep going like this, it will be getting worst everyday, Is not that I’m cursing my country. The British government that we are using, we are not up to that because they did their own with open minded with truth and honesty and not a country which corruption has spoiled everything.”

“The monarchs know everything about their communities because they are the rightful owners of the land. Any town in Yoruba land, the traditional rulers in that town, are the bonafide members of the town, either living and none- living things in that town. The monarchs know their subjects. So, somebody from outside can’t come and say he wants to know Ile-Ife for example without the traditional rulers on the seat, it’s not possible.

“As an experienced traditional ruler in the community, we have something in Ile-Ife that we organise for the community. We have our own people who are ready to serve their community in terms of security, we call them vigilante.

“The ones we have in Ife work together with the police in Osogbo headquarters. We call them Ife vigilante immunization police command Ife. They usually work in hands with the police and show them the way on how to track down a suspect. The government should find everlasting solution.

“Government should also provide job opportunities for those that finished in the universities or polytechnics. Government should give priority to youth employment.

“The police and other security Operatives should be well treated. Their salaries should be paid regularly and they should be given the needed weapons to tackle insecurity,” the monarch said.

Reacting to the statement credited to the Bauchi State Governor, that civilians should be allowed to carry AK 47, Oba Abraham said it is an abomination adding that Nigerians should have respect for the law of the land.

He maintained that the time had come for all to follow the path that would continue to promote peace, unity, and tranquillity, particularly in the wake of dire security situation in the country.

Lowa Adimula is a prominent traditional ruler in Ile-Ife. In the history of Ife and traditional religion of Ife, Lowa is a powerful man in the kingdom of Ife. He is the closest man to Ooni of Ife.