Alaafin of Oyo calls for enhanced inter-agency cooperation to combat terrorism

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, advocated for stronger inter-agency collaboration, timely intelligence sharing, and coordinated community engagement to prevent terrorism and other security threats during a courtesy visit to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Ilorin. Oba Owoade emphasized that effective security management requires synergy between communities and government authorities, integrating local knowledge with state capacity. He stressed the importance of a sustained security presence and rapid response mechanisms, especially in rural and border communities, asserting that their safety should be prioritized equally with major cities. The monarch called for deepened intelligence gathering and preventive intervention, noting that security threats are often organized and financed through networks that should be identified and disrupted. He also urged continuous communication between the government and traditional rulers to strengthen public trust, counter misinformation, and demonstrate visible leadership during uncertain times. The Alaafin expressed solidarity with Yoruba communities in Kwara State, highlighting their shared cultural and historical ties and stating that criminals must not exploit ancestral homes. Governor AbdulRazaq commended Oba Owoade for his commitment to peace and security, describing him as a "detribalised and visionary monarch," and assured that the state government would continue to prioritize security and involve traditional in