Okun Development Association Expresses Concern Over Insecurity In Okunland …Suggests Urgent Solutions

Okun Development Association (ODA), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State, concerned about the worrisome insecurity challenges across Okunland, organized a one-day Stakeholders Security Summit in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi-West Senatorial District of Kogi State, on Friday March 28, 2025, at Lisa Palm Hotel, Kabba, to address the issues.

The President-General of the Association, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi (Lisa of Egbe), speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC)of the association, expressed grave concerns about the exacerbating insecurity situation in Okun communities, calling attention of all to the imperative of strategic and deliberate joint-action approach in tackling the menace.

These were contained in a communique issued at the end of the summit, which was jointly signed by Chief J.O. Yusuf, Chairman, Hon. Soji Olu, Pastor Dayo Thomas and Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, Secretary.

The all-important summit, which was moderated by a retired Director, Department of State Security Service and a renowned security expert, Dr. Williams Toyin Akanle, mni, attracted high-level participation of Kogi State government officers, which included Hon. Wemi Jones, FCIB, Commissioner for Education; Hon. Sunday Faleke, Commissioner for Special Duties; former Commissioner for the Environment, Hon. Victor Ade Omofaiye; Otunba  Shuaib Ipinmisho, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Land Matters; the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman Okun Traditional Council, HRM, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi, represented by HRH, Olu L.F. Ayinmiro, Oba of Iluke; Olujumu of Ijumu, HRM, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, JP; Agbana of Isanlu, HRM, Oba Moses B. Etombi; and HRM, Elulu of Mopa, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; HRM.

Others are Oba Ayodele Irukera, Elegbe of Egbe, represented by the Bale of Egbe, HRH, Oba Abiodun Agbana; HRM, Olu Anthony Bamigbaiye Idowu, CON, Olu-Adde of Ekinrin-Adde, other stakeholders and key players in the security architecture of Okunland and beyond.

Also in attendance was the Chairman of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Barrister Zaccheus Dare, while Chairman, of Mopa-Amuro sent a representative, and Ijumu LGA Chairman sent apology for his unavoidable absence.

The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was ably represented at the Summit by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Duro Omodara (Rtd).

The Security Adviser stated that the State Governor was fully aware of the Summit, and that the government supports the initiative by the ODA.

He also noted that grassroots community policing is recognized by the current administration as a sustainable way of tackling insecurity challenges, and that the government is working assiduously in this regard.

The Ondo State Commander of the South-West Security Network (Amotekun) and Coordinator of the Corps in the South-West State, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, submitted that for effective synergy in community policing among neighbouring states, legislation on the subject is key and imperative.

Speaking on behalf of the Okun traditional rulers, the Olujumu of Ijumu and Chairman, Ijumu Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Williams Olusegun Ayeni, JP, submitted that the persistent attacks by some non-indigenous criminal elements are evidently driven by an agenda to grab the land of the Okun people, and possibly subjugate the people, and that this must be jointly resisted.                                                                                                           Summit Resolutions

The Summit resolved that a well-funded community policing structure is a panacea for addressing security challenges in Okunland,and that Security is every body’s business; adding that therefore, sharing credible information with security operatives by the people is important.

It was resolved that the adoption of technology-driven security operations is essential for success. Well-endowed Okun compatriots to need to render support in this regard.

It was added that proper profiling of settlers in Okun communities by our traditional rulers and community leaders must be carried out to prevent infiltration by criminal elements.

The summit also agreed that the existing procedures in the sale of land and property must be strictly adopted and where such procedures have not been followed such sales should be voided and revoked.

They also stated that there should be discretion in the use of social media on security matters by our people.That there is a need for co-ordinated synergy in the operations of security operatives in Okunland.

It was resolved that job creation, economic empowerment and social interventions are essential in reducing criminal activities, vulnerability of our youths and collaborations with criminal elements.

The Summit emphasised that the establishment of community-based Security Trust Fund in Okunland is important.

They also said that there must be security audit in all Okun communities to identify gaps and bridge such gaps.

It was further agreed that there is a need for proper incentives, motivation and moral boosting for Okun vigilante groups and hunters.

They submitted that sustainable support system for victims of security breaches in Okunland should be put in place.

It was then agreed that there should be proper support for Okun traditional rulers from government and well-meaning individuals in securing their domain and traditional security measures should not be jettisoned by the communities.