By Sam Adewale
The Olowo of Owo Kingdom and Paramount Ruler of Owo Land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, has called for a collective approach to security consciousness in Owo.
Oba Ogunoye made this declaration at the Community Police Security Forum in Owo, an initiative of the new Commissioner of Police, Mr. Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, organized by the Ondo State Police Command. The forum, held at Ademos Events Center along Akure Road, Owo, brought together key stakeholders to discuss solutions to the security challenges facing the kingdom.
The initiative aimed to address rising concerns over insecurity and violence in Owo, particularly in the wake of recent cult-related attacks and killings. The objective was to foster peaceful coexistence and strengthen unity among residents.
Addressing the gathering after listening to contributions from various stakeholders, Oba Ogunoye passionately emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the safety of society.
“In every community, we must recognize our roles as guardians of peace and security,” the monarch stated. He urged parents not to neglect their duty in shaping their children into responsible members of society. His Majesty further encouraged residents to report suspicious activities without fear of retribution, assuring them that the police are available to assist and that traditional rulers can also be informed to take appropriate action.
Oba Ogunoye also advised the youth to embrace farming as a viable means of livelihood, emphasizing that agriculture remains a rewarding venture when taken seriously. Additionally, he stressed the importance of acquiring skills, noting that vocational expertise is valuable, as not everyone may have the opportunity to obtain a university or polytechnic degree.
In his remarks, Commissioner of Police Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi outlined practical measures that residents could adopt to tackle security challenges and curb violence in the kingdom.
Echoing the concerns of many attendees about the rising tide of unrest affecting their livelihoods, the CP reminded the gathering:
“Violence begets violence, but dialogue fosters understanding.”
He urged citizens to see the police not just as an enforcement agency but as a partner in progress in combating crime. The Commissioner also underscored the power of non-violent conflict resolution, stating that understanding different perspectives can help prevent misunderstandings from escalating into violence.
Earlier in the day, CP Afolabi paid a courtesy visit to Oba Ogunoye to brief him on this new crime prevention initiative aimed at enhancing security in Owo and Ondo State at large. He was accompanied by senior officers from the State Command and the Owo/Ose Area Commands.
