- Oba Babatunde Ola-Ogun Ogunlaja convened Christian and Muslim leaders over rising security concerns in the South-West.
- Religious leaders agreed to intensify security awareness and temporarily suspend overnight vigils and late-night crusades.
- Stakeholders called for stronger community vigilance, monitoring of suspicious activities and improved collaboration with security agencies.
As concerns continue to grow over the increasing wave of insecurity across parts of the South-West region, the Aladeshonyin and Paramount Ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Babatunde Ola-Ogun Ogunlaja (JP), has convened an emergency security meeting with Christian and Islamic leaders across Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to develop strategies aimed at protecting lives and property.
The security summit, held at the royal palace in Odo-Noforija, brought together prominent clerics, youth representatives, community stakeholders and security personnel from communities including Igbooye, Mojoda, Odoragunshin, Odo-Noforija, Poka, Ilara, Pobo, Imokun, Ibonwon, Oke Magba, Odoshiwola and several other settlements within Eredo LCDA.
Addressing participants, Oba Ogunlaja said intelligence reports and security updates from different parts of the South-West indicated the need for communities to become more vigilant and proactive in order to prevent criminal elements from establishing a foothold within the area.
According to the monarch, the meeting was not convened to create panic among residents but to ensure that stakeholders remain alert and prepared to confront emerging security threats before they escalate.
“The security situation in some parts of the South-West should serve as a warning to all of us. Cases of kidnapping, killings and attacks on innocent citizens have become increasingly disturbing. We must not fold our arms and wait for such incidents to happen in our communities before taking action.
“As the traditional ruler of this kingdom, I have been holding consultations with various groups and community leaders, including members of the Arewa community. We have emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and the need to identify and monitor unfamiliar faces within our environment. We have also commenced a profiling process to ensure that everyone living within our communities can be properly accounted for.”
The royal father noted that security should no longer be seen as the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies, stressing that community members must become active participants in safeguarding their environment.
“Security is everyone’s business. Every resident must become observant and report anything capable of threatening the peace of our communities. Religious leaders have a major role to play because they interact with large numbers of people daily. They must use their platforms to educate worshippers on vigilance and personal security.”
Oba Ogunlaja further urged clerics to review the timing of religious programmes and make adjustments where necessary in the interest of public safety.
The meeting featured extensive deliberations among religious leaders who expressed concerns over the activities of criminal elements and shared practical suggestions for strengthening security across the council area.
Following discussions, participants agreed on a number of precautionary measures, including the temporary suspension of overnight church vigils, late-night crusades and other religious activities that may expose worshippers to unnecessary risks. Some Muslim leaders also proposed modifications to certain congregational activities, encouraging worshippers to observe some prayers closer to their homes where necessary.
The President of the League of Imams and Alfas, Eredo LCDA, Fadeelat Sheikh Alhaji Saliu Muhammed, applauded the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary considering the current security realities facing the country.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Eredo LCDA Chapter, Most Superintendent Evangelist J.O. Adeboye, assured the gathering that churches across the council area would comply with security directives and continue to work closely with traditional institutions and security agencies.
The Chief Imam of Pobo Central Mosque, Fadeelat Sheikh AbdulGafar AbdulWasiu, emphasized the need for unity among residents regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
“As insecurity continues to spread across different parts of the country, this is the time for us to come together as one people. Criminals thrive where there is division. We must continue to promote peace, mutual respect and cooperation among all residents. Love for one another remains one of the strongest weapons against violence and criminality.”
The Chief Imam of Noforija also appealed to religious leaders to incorporate security awareness into their sermons and public teachings.
“Every mosque and church should begin to educate members on the importance of vigilance. Landlords must know the identity of those they accommodate, while parents should closely monitor their children and instill moral values in them. We must all become more conscious of what is happening around us.”
During the stakeholders’ session, youth leaders highlighted several issues requiring urgent attention, including the activities of suspected drug dealers, buyers of stolen mobile phones, illegal immigrants and individuals involved in other unlawful practices.
A youth representative from Iraye, Mr. Ibrahim, specifically called for increased security presence during Jumat prayers and other major religious gatherings, while also advocating stricter monitoring of cattle-rearing activities and suspicious movements within communities.
Participants also raised concerns about criminals using places of worship as temporary hideouts. Consequently, religious leaders were advised to ensure churches and mosques are properly secured and locked after programmes and at night.
One of the clerics at the meeting warned against relying solely on prayers without taking practical preventive measures.
“Faith is important, but security requires action. We must avoid circulating false information capable of causing unnecessary fear and panic. Residents should be careful about who they allow access into their homes and compounds, especially strangers whose identities cannot be verified.”
The gathering also resolved to discourage commercial motorcycle operations beyond 10 p.m., noting that motorcycles are frequently used by criminals for surveillance, escape and other unlawful activities.
Representing the Divisional Police Officer of Odo-Noforija Police Division, CSP Salako Olatunde, Officer Okoli delivered security tips and encouraged residents to embrace community policing.
“Every citizen is a stakeholder in security. Always be aware of your surroundings and verify information before sharing it. If you observe suspicious movements, do not ignore them. Report them immediately to the appropriate authorities. Early information often helps prevent crimes before they occur.”
The police representative further urged residents to challenge suspicious persons where appropriate and promptly contact security agencies during emergencies.
As the meeting ended, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration among traditional institutions, religious organizations, youth groups and security agencies to ensure Eredo LCDA remains peaceful, secure and conducive for socio-economic development.
The gathering concluded with prayers for peace, stability and divine protection for all communities within Eredo LCDA and the nation at large.
