The Okere of Saki Oba Khalid Oyedepo III has advised the Federal Government to embrace state police.
The monarch, who expressed readiness of traditional rulers to partner governments in curbing insecurity, also emphasised the needs to adopt science and technology to fight crime like in other climes.
“The people who really know the local government are the natives. I am in support of State Police under the supervision of the state government and their operation must be clearly defined,” he stressed.
The monarch spoke with reporters ahead of ancient Beere Festival scheduled for March 29, 2021.
He said the town has enjoyed relative peace because of its established traditional security systems, which could not be said of other towns in the state and beyond.
“I’m really bothered because I believe an injury to one is an injury to all. The issue is that our present security arrangement is faulty, as everyone can now see, so we must change from our present security arrangement if we want the desired result,” he added.
Chairman of the Beere Festival Committee, High Chief Adegoke Rasheed, Bagii of Sakiland, thanked the Okere for resuscitating the festival.
He said the 2021 edition of the Beere Festival with the grand finale billed for April 6 is unique because it is going to be celebrated under a new king.
According to him, the festival is as old as the ancient town of Saki and must be celebrated with pomp and pageantry.
“It is an important way of marking the beginning and end of the farming season. It is a celebration of life, accomplishments in the community, culture and well-being of our people,” he added.
Vice chairman of the committee, who is also the Baale of Sepeteri, High Chief Jimoh Adigun, said the festival will showcase the beauty and culture of the ancient town to visitors and dignitaries.
While reiterating that aged long festival has no link with diabolism, Adigun emphasised the festival will be an avenue for the Okere to publicly pray for his people and bless them.
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