The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, has lauded the acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his commitment to community policing, saying it is the definitive solution to the nation’s security challenges.
Oba Balogun expressed this praise during a visit by the IGP to his residence in Alarere, Ibadan.
Several members of the Olubadan advisory council, including Balogun of Ibadanland, Ashipa Balogun, Ekerin Olubadan, Ekerin Balogun, Obas Owolabi Olakulehin, Kolawole Adegbola, Hamidu Ajibade, and Dada Isioye, along with three Mogajis – Asimiyu Adepoju (Ariori), Isiaka Raji (Elegbaaowo), and Kayode Ogunsola (Anisere) – were present to receive the visitor.
Speaking through the ‘Baba Kekere’, Kola Balogun, acknowledged the initiative of the new police boss to pursue the community policing strategy effectively through the deployment of technology and motivation of the officers and men of the force by way of training and attention to their welfare.
Olubadan in a press statement by his personal assistant, Oladele Ogunsola said Egbetokun “is the most perfect fit for the job at this period in the history of the country. Our IG is Enitan, he is a manifestation of abundance grace and mercy in view of what he has passed through in the force.
“You actually paid your dues. You cheated death on occasions, and on two different occasions, you were denied your well-deserved promotion to the position of Commissioner of Police, but, through the grace of God, you eventually reached the pinnacle of your career. That same grace will sustain and grant you huge success on this exalted seat.”
The Olubadan also appreciated the efforts of the new Police Command helmsman in Oyo State, Compol Adebola Hamzat, in implementing community policing and fostering cooperation among stakeholders.
He stated that the palace would continue to support the command’s efforts to secure the lives and property of the people.
The monarch said: “Oyo State is relatively peaceful, though, we have some pockets of security challenges, but, the CP has shown the capacity and capability to contain them since his arrival here for which we are very much grateful.
“The palace, I mean myself and my members of the Advisory Council, Mogajis and Baales will not relent in giving the Command all the necessary and needed cooperation and support to achieve the set goal of securing the lives and property of our people.”
In his remark, Egbetokun said his visit to the palace, the first of such to be made in the southwestern part of the country was to appreciate and thank the monarch for the support and cooperation the Oyo state command.
He emphasized the strategic significance of Oyo State in security matters due to its location and history.
The IGP assured the Olubadan of the Force’s commitment to a service-driven, rule-of-law-compliant, and people-friendly approach to law enforcement.
He emphasized the need for collaboration with traditional rulers to achieve the goals of the new vision for the police.
The IGP said: “We are always conscious of whom to post here as the CP and we don’t just send anybody here, we look out for who can give effective policing to the state and we appreciate our father, the Olubadan and his Council for the maximum support you have been giving us”.
The IG further explained that the new vision of the force would be service-driven, compliance with the rule of law, people-friendly, and adequate response to crime occurrences, to improve the community and take the Force to the next level.
He added: “To drive this vision, the roles of traditional rulers cannot be overemphasized and here I come to solicit Your Majesty’s understanding and support.
“Your Majesty, your roles are very critical to our new vision. Our officers will work closely with you, they will be coming to you from time to time for advice and information as the case may be. I implore Your Majesty to leave your doors open to them and together, with your cooperation and support, we will achieve our set objectives and goals of securing and protecting our dear country, Nigeria.”
