Owa Haastrup Holds Strategic Meeting With Ijesa Monarchs Over Rising Insecurity
...Tasks Royal Fathers to forge common front against criminality and illegal mining
In view of the emerging security threats in the South Went and reported influx of unscrupulous elements in the region’s forests, the Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijesaland, His Imperial Majesty, Owa Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, Ajimoko III, has held a strategic meeting with first-class traditional rulers across Ijesaland with a view to forging a untied front to confront the menace.
At the meeting held at the Owa Aromolaran Civic Centre, Ereja Square, Ilesa, on Saturday, the royal fathers identified the emerging security threats as including: banditry, kidnapping, politically-motivated violence and sundry crimes associated with illegal mining.
Speaking at the event, Owa Haastrup described the security challenges confronting the region as an urgent threat requiring collective action by traditional institutions collaborating effectively with the country’s security agencies.
In his address to the august gathering, Owa Haastrup thanked the monarchs for honoring his invitation, emphasising that the parley was neither a jamboree nor mere cultural gathering but a strategic response to the concerns of the people and the need to safeguard lives and property across Ijesaland. The meeting, he said, was called to fashion a deliberate and effective response to the growing insecurity affecting communities, farmlands and forests within the region.
Owa Haastrup expressed serious concern about incidents of banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes that have sent jitters and fear to residents, particularly farmers, women and children, stressing that traditional rulers, as leaders closest to the grassroots, have a critical role to play in arresting the ugly situation as a stitch in time saves nine.
He observed that the traditional institution possesses an intimate understanding of local communities, their people and their environment, adding that such knowledge should be harnessed to support ongoing security efforts.
The Owa also raised concerns over illegal mining activities in parts of Ijesaland, warning that the unlawful exploitation of mineral resources by unauthorised individuals poses both security and environmental risks to host communities.
The paramount ruler urged fellow monarchs not to leave the responsibility of protecting their communities solely to government and conventional security agencies, but to work collectively in complementing official efforts.
Among other measures discussed at the meeting, Owa Haastrup advocated the revitalisation of local vigilante groups and community security outfits, encouraging closer collaboration between community-based security structures and law enforcement agencies.
He also called for improved community-based screening and monitoring mechanisms, urging village heads and community leaders to keep proper records of new settlers, monitor activities within forest areas and promptly report suspicious movements and illegal mining operations.
The Owa Obokun Adimula wasn’t done yet. The Paramount ruler of Ijesaland also underscored the significance of the traditional institutions in the region in promoting accountability and discouraging criminality. He urged the first-class traditional rulers to remain united and maintain a steely resolve to defend their communities against any threat.
Owa Haastrup strongly advised against paying ransom to kidnappers, arguing that such payments only embolden criminal elements to perpetrate bigger attacks.
He appealed to all traditional rulers in Ijesaland to strengthen cooperation among themselves through intelligence sharing, mutual support and coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
”What affects one community today could become the challenge of another tomorrow,” he said, urging the monarchs to remain steadfast in protecting the lives, property and heritage of the Ijesa people.
At the end of the meeting, the royal fathers resolved to continue engaging relevant stakeholders and supporting efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace, security and stability across Ijesaland.
