The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has described insecurity as one of the gravest challenges confronting Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government to fast-track the process of establishing state police.
Oba Ladoja warned that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear and instability.
The royal father made the call on Monday while receiving the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC 19, 2026) participants of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Bwari, Abuja, at his palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
He stressed that security remains the bedrock of national progress, insisting that no meaningful development could be achieved without safeguarding lives and property.
Oba Ladoja, who noted that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility, said government alone cannot tackle the menace, urging citizens and stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to curb the trend.
“I call on the Federal Government to expedite action on the establishment of state police to complement existing security agencies and strengthen community policing,” the monarch said.
The royal father also highlighted Ibadan’s historical significance, describing the city as a repository of “firsts” in Nigeria and a former capital of the old Western Region with a unique cultural and administrative heritage.
He urged the visiting participants to explore notable tourist attractions in the city, including Bowers Tower, Mapo Hall, Eleyele Water Works, and the University of Ibadan.
Earlier, the team leader and Director of Studies, Mrs Ibrahim Halimah Zanna, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded the delegation despite the short notice.
She said the team was in Oyo State for a week-long study tour aimed at examining how the course theme, “Ethnic Militias and Resource Competition in Africa: Implications for National Security,” relates to the state’s security architecture and governance framework.
According to her, the visit to the Olubadan Palace formed part of efforts to engage key traditional institutions and understand their roles in promoting peace and stability.
Dignitaries present at the reception included the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ajibola; Otun Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin; and Olori Rasidat Olayinka Ladoja.
