Insecurity: Ogun Monarch Supports Establishment of State Police
Insecurity: Ogun Monarch Supports Establishment of State Police
The Oba-elect of Ososa Kingdom in Makun, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Abdullateef Shofowora, has expressed support for the creation of state police, saying it would help curb the rising insecurity in the country.
Speaking on Saturday during the foundation-laying ceremony of an ultramodern palace, Shofowora noted that state policing is a proven model in many developed countries and, if properly implemented, could be successfully adopted in Nigeria.
Shofowora said, “We are just running away from our shadow. For example, they said if we have state police, the governors will misuse it, they will abuse it, but when you travel abroad, it is done over there.
“In America and the United Kingdom, there are state police, and they don’t carry arms, but they’re everywhere.
“They can control the security of the locality and the local people because they know their people. When there are state police, they command their community. They know the residents, they know their neighbours, and the people with whom they live.
The Oba-elect of Ososa Kingdom, Abdullateef Shofowora, has emphasized the need for grassroots security involvement, noting that when community members are familiar with their environment, they can easily identify and question unfamiliar faces—thereby helping to prevent criminal activities. According to him, this approach could significantly reduce insecurity.
He also advocated for the devolution of constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers, clarifying that this would not undermine government authority but rather recognize and empower institutions that are closer to the people.
“Historically, traditional rulers played key roles in maintaining unity and ensuring community security. Back then, the traditional institution commanded respect,” he said.
Shofowora urged both state and federal legislatures to work towards restoring the influence of monarchs, adding, “Our Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly should revive this lost heritage so that in every community, the king, the emir, or the Igwe remains an active authority figure.”
While acknowledging the government’s role, he maintained that traditional rulers should be allowed to operate alongside local government structures, not be sidelined.
He also raised concerns about unregulated activities of some real estate developers, accusing them of encroaching on community lands and, in some cases, instigating unrest for land-grabbing purposes. He called on the government to step in and enforce stricter oversight, noting that while some developers follow the law, others exploit loopholes to destabilize communities.
