The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has called on political and community leaders in the South-West to set aside partisan differences and prioritize national security.
He stated that the entire South-West is backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to tackle Nigeria’s rising insecurity.
Warning Against Politicising Insecurity
Speaking in a televised interview, the monarch warned that politicizing national security has weakened unity in the country.
“God has brought our leader, President Bola Tinubu, to lead us. Traditional leaders are not talking about politics; we are talking about how to save our people and our race. That is way beyond politics,” he said.
Collaboration Between Traditional Rulers and Politicians
Oba Ogunwusi stressed the importance of cooperation between royal institutions and elected officials.
Traditional rulers, he said, are closest to local communities and best understand emerging threats.
He urged leaders to work together to build stronger local defence systems.
Strengthening Regional Defences
The monarch confirmed that intelligence reports indicate hostile groups are moving toward the South-West.
Local security structures are being reinforced, with strategies rooted in the region’s historical defence practices.
Hunters and forest guards are reportedly now playing a key role in protecting communities.
“Yes, we have discovered that, and that’s the truth, and that’s the reason why we’re coming together. We are enforcing and strengthening our local guards; we are very strong. We, traditional institutions, we’re very strong when it comes to that. We are facing this head-on. We have intelligence information. They are coming closer to us, and we’re going to send them back,” Oba Ogunwusi said.
He emphasized that the resilience of the South-West, built over generations, will not be broken.