We need Community Policing to address insecurity — Ogun Monarch
His Royal Majesty, Oba, Dr. Joseph Okikiola Ikudaisi Iroko I of Agbegise Kingdom, a community under Ifo, Ogun state, in an exclusive interview with FAIZAT ADEBOYE AND FLORENCE AYOOLA discussed the issues of insecurities in the Country. According him, the need for state security to provide community policing is important to address the situations on ground. Excerpts:
Recently there has been lots of insecurities in Ogun state and Southwest generally, what do you think can be done to tackle this at the grassroots level?
In those days, our forefathers have their way of securing their town; there were hunters back then. Let’s all go back to the tradition, foreign religion has made us forget we have traditions. During the days of our forefathers, things like this did not happen. Yoruba has culture and traditions, so let’s follow it. This is Ogun State, we are the first state to get independence and no war has ever taken us away or destroyed us before. We are on our own; so everyone should guide their State. I, Joseph, I am Christian but I am a traditional ruler, a king that follows tradition.
In saying everybody should guide their state and everyone should stay in their state, are you saying the Fulanis should stay in their state too?
No! I am not trying to divide the country. I am simply saying every ruler should protect his State. Take care of your state, don’t wait for anyone to come and help you. Since the insecurity has been happening in Ogun State, we have just been hearing it, it hasn’t happened in this community. The Fulani herdsmen here have been warned; so you can’t see any of them or their cows around. Their leader, Seriki, when he sees me he greets and I answer. So, there is no fight.
Are you saying since the Fulani herdsmen issue started in Ogun state, there has not been insecurity whatsoever in this community?
No! It never happened here. They did not come here at all. This is Agbegise, they dare not try such act here.
What are those things you did that made this community prohibited for Fulanis herdsmen to enter?
Everyone knows how to protect his community or state. As for me, I am capable of taking care of my community. I am not far from mosque and church but I am a traditional ruler; I follow traditions. I am Ganiu on Muslims day; on Eid celebration, I can be Ganiu, on Christmas day, I can be Gabriel. So, I can eat rice and on traditional festivals, I am a priest. I am king of traditional worshippers, Agbegise kingdom.
What can you say about Sunday Igboho’s activism towards this Fulani herdsmen saga, are you in support of his activism?
I can’t say much on that. That is why I said everyone should govern their state or community. Sunday is an activist; he tried, his name is in the book of history. We are all writing a story. Whatever you plant, you will reap. That’s how best he can fight for his people. So, I salute him. I as a king too; I am doing my part. So, everyone should guide his/her home.
Do you have anything to say to the Government concerning security or you still stand on the point that everyone should guide his/her community?
Those in Government should open their eyes. We need state security for community policing; to give them information on what is going on in the communities. Like I have my CDN here, I have Amotekun people. The Government should also move closer to traditional rulers. There are still traditions; I don’t know any other thing aside this. I have been able to take care of my community. We have eight CDAs here, different estates and nobody is complaining about anything, we are okay and fine. This is new Lagos. No war or fights here, we only hear of it but it didn’t get here.
Digressing from security issues, what are the things you want the government to do for Agbegise for it to be more developed?
They should come around and see what the community needs. I fixed the community lights and road myself. I built the palace myself and all of us in this community are living in oneness. So if they know there is anything they can do to help, they should come and do it. On second thought, they should not bother. I don’t trust them; they might come and collect our lands from us. We will do our things ourselves.
So you don’t really need government’s help?
Yes! They should not bother, God will continue to help us. Since we have been here, they do not care about us. There has been no light; nothing! If they want to give us money, they should give us.
