The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has demonstrated a commitment to community safety and sustainable development by convening the 2026 Ogbomosoland Security Summit, bringing together traditional rulers, security agencies, government representatives and other stakeholders to address security challenges in the region.
In an article written by Sayo Alagbe, the summit was described as an important initiative aimed at strengthening collective responsibility for the protection of lives and property while supporting Ogbomosoland’s long-term development aspirations.
Held on September 30, 2026, at the Great Hall of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, the summit focused on the theme, “Community-Based Security Management in Ogbomosoland: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.”
The gathering examined how Ogbomosoland could pursue its development ambitions while addressing threats to the safety of residents, businesses, farmers, traders and other members of the community.
The initiative also aligns with the Soun’s 25-Year Ogbomoso Development Vision, which recognises security as a necessary foundation for economic growth and social progress.
Development involves more than constructing roads, establishing educational institutions, promoting commercial activities or attracting investments. These efforts require an environment where farmers can access their farmlands safely, traders can operate without fear, children can attend school securely and residents can live peacefully.
The summit therefore reinforced the idea that security should not be treated solely as the responsibility of government institutions but as a collective obligation involving communities and relevant stakeholders.
A MONARCHY WITH A CLEAR MISSION
By bringing together traditional rulers, security agencies, government officials, academics, professionals, community leaders and other stakeholders, the Soun demonstrated the importance of collaboration in tackling complex security challenges.
The reported participation of more than 40 traditional rulers from across Ogbomosoland was particularly significant, providing an opportunity to strengthen unity among royal fathers whose communities share geographical, cultural and historical connections.
Traditional institutions continue to play important roles in community mobilisation, communication and conflict resolution. Their cooperation can therefore contribute to efforts aimed at improving public safety and social harmony.
The summit also highlighted the evolving responsibilities of traditional rulers, suggesting that their influence should extend beyond cultural preservation to include practical initiatives that promote public welfare and sustainable development.
As Alagbe noted, the enduring relevance of a traditional institution is reflected not only in its history and ceremonial significance but also in its ability to inspire confidence, encourage cooperation and mobilise people towards common goals.
The Soun’s reported declaration, “We must secure Ogbomosoland so that Ogbomosoland can rise,” captured the central message of the gathering.
The statement linked security with prosperity and emphasised the responsibility of the present generation to create a safer and more prosperous future for generations to come.
COMMENDATION FOR THE ORGANISERS AND STAKEHOLDERS
While the Soun provided the vision behind the summit, the contributions of those who organised and coordinated the event were also recognised.
Real Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd.), Chairman of the Organising Committee, and Dr. Femi Babajide, Chairman of the Communiqué Committee, received particular commendation for their respective roles.
Their efforts, alongside those of committee members and other stakeholders, helped bring together participants for discussions centred on the security and development of Ogbomosoland.
Organising a summit of this scale required extensive planning, coordination, stakeholder mobilisation and intellectual engagement. The participation of more than 40 traditional rulers, security professionals, government representatives, academics, community leaders and other individuals reflected the collective effort involved.
As chairman of the Organising Committee, Real Admiral Ajani was recognised for his role in coordinating the activities that brought the summit to fruition and provided a platform for participants to share their experiences, concerns and recommendations.
Dr. Babajide was also commended for his leadership of the Communiqué Committee, which was responsible for documenting the summit’s observations, resolutions and recommendations.
The communiqué serves as more than a record of the proceedings. It outlines proposals covering community intelligence, grassroots security committees, cooperation among security agencies, local government participation, youth education, regional collaboration and sustainable security funding.
Clearly documenting the recommendations is an important step towards ensuring that discussions translate into practical action.
However, the real value of the communiqué will depend on whether the relevant institutions and communities implement its recommendations.
Recognition was also extended to the participating traditional rulers, security personnel, government representatives, academics, resource persons, committee members, sponsors, volunteers and other stakeholders whose contributions helped make the gathering possible.
The article emphasised that the Soun deserves recognition for providing the vision, while Real Admiral Ajani, Dr. Babajide and the wider organising team deserve acknowledgement for their respective responsibilities.
Nevertheless, the most meaningful recognition for everyone involved would be the successful implementation of the summit’s resolutions and the resulting improvements in community safety.
SECURITY TRUST FUND: TURNING COMMITMENTS INTO ACTION
One of the summit’s major initiatives was the launch of the Ogbomoso Security Trust Fund, designed to provide an avenue for mobilising resources to support security-related needs.
Many communities face persistent security challenges but lack sustainable arrangements for funding the equipment, logistics, infrastructure and other resources required to address them.
The establishment of a dedicated fund offers Ogbomoso an opportunity to mobilise contributions from indigenes living at home and abroad, corporate organisations and other well-wishers.
Ogbomoso has a substantial pool of professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants, academics and businesspeople whose financial contributions, expertise and experience could support the development of their ancestral community.
The challenge is to convert this collective potential into tangible benefits for residents.
The article stressed that the success of the Security Trust Fund would depend on transparent management, accountability and measurable results rather than the enthusiasm surrounding its launch.
Contributions must be properly recorded, expenditure documented and regular reports made available to the public.
Independent oversight, effective financial controls and clearly defined spending priorities would also help build confidence and encourage sustained contributions.
The fund must function as a practical instrument for improving security rather than remain a symbol of good intentions.
If properly managed, it could demonstrate how community philanthropy and collective solidarity can complement the legitimate responsibilities of government in addressing security challenges.
‘WE MUST NOT WAIT FOR ANOTHER ORIIRE’
The summit’s reference to lessons from the Oriire abduction incident, alongside the declaration, “We must not wait for another Oriire to happen,” underscored the importance of preventing security crises before they occur.
Security incidents can disrupt lives, traumatise families, threaten livelihoods and leave communities with serious concerns about their safety.
Consequently, an effective security system should not be judged only by its response after an incident but also by its ability to identify threats, recognise warning signs and prevent avoidable harm.
The summit therefore emphasised timely intelligence, accurate information and early-warning mechanisms as essential components of community security.
Residents should be encouraged to report credible concerns without fear of intimidation or unnecessary exposure. At the same time, traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies must guard against rumours, false accusations, vigilantism and the circulation of unverified information.
A responsible security culture requires vigilance without panic, cooperation without recklessness and firm action that respects fundamental human rights.
The proposed community security committees could help establish such a culture if their membership, duties and reporting procedures are clearly defined.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, teachers, youth representatives, traders and other community stakeholders all have roles to play in promoting awareness and responsible citizenship.
The overall objective is to make security a shared civic responsibility guided by the law, reliable information and respect for human dignity.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS MUST PLAY THEIR PART
Another issue highlighted in the communiqué was the reported absence of local government chairmen from the summit.
Local governments occupy an important position in grassroots administration because of their proximity to residents and their responsibilities within local communities.
Their participation is therefore essential to the planning and implementation of effective community security arrangements.
The absence of the chairmen, as reported in the communiqué, raised concerns about the level of institutional involvement in an issue that directly affects residents’ lives and livelihoods.
The article argued that community security cannot be effectively decentralised if local authorities responsible for grassroots administration remain detached from the process.
Rather than allowing the situation to undermine collaboration, the appropriate response would be to encourage local government leaders to participate actively in subsequent meetings, support the proposed security committees and establish effective communication channels with traditional institutions and security agencies.
Local authorities also need to work with state and federal institutions to address infrastructure deficiencies, unemployment, inadequate public amenities and other challenges that may increase community vulnerability.
Although good governance cannot eliminate every security threat, responsive public institutions can strengthen trust and improve cooperation between residents and security agencies.
Ogbomosoland’s development ambitions therefore require meaningful partnerships between traditional rulers, local governments and other relevant institutions.
OGBOMOSO MUST LOOK BEYOND ITS BORDERS
The summit also recognised Ogbomoso’s strategic geographical position as a connecting point between parts of northern and southwestern Nigeria.
This position creates opportunities for commerce, transportation, social interaction and economic growth, while also making regional cooperation important in addressing security threats that may cross administrative boundaries.
Criminal activities do not necessarily stop at local government or state borders. As a result, security arrangements in Ogbomosoland must take developments in neighbouring communities and jurisdictions into account.
The proposed “strategic security handshake” offers a framework for strengthening communication, intelligence sharing and coordinated responses among neighbouring communities, local governments and states.
Such cooperation would require clearly defined operational arrangements, lawful information-sharing procedures and established channels for collaboration among relevant security agencies.
The recommendation to map vulnerable locations, remote roads, entry points, communication facilities and poorly illuminated areas was another important proposal highlighted by the summit.
Proper mapping could help identify areas requiring urgent attention, improve emergency responses and guide the allocation of limited security resources to locations where they are most needed.
The article stressed that these recommendations should move beyond discussions at the summit and lead to practical interventions.
EDUCATION AS A FOUNDATION FOR LASTING PEACE
The summit also acknowledged the relationship between sustainable security, education, moral development and opportunities for young people.
Preparing children and youths to become responsible citizens and productive members of society was identified as an important aspect of building resilient communities.
Keeping children in school, expanding access to skills acquisition and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement should form part of a comprehensive community development and security strategy.
However, young people should not be regarded merely as potential security risks. They can also contribute to public enlightenment, security awareness, technological innovation, civic responsibility and peacebuilding.
The communiqué also noted the launch of the Police Community Relations Committee Schools Initiative, with the Soun serving as its Grand Patron.
The initiative provides an opportunity to educate students about responsible citizenship and appropriate security awareness.
Its effectiveness will depend on consistent implementation, age-appropriate educational activities and constructive cooperation among schools, parents, community leaders and security institutions.
The summit’s emphasis on translating its proceedings and communiqué into Yoruba was also described as a positive step towards making its recommendations accessible to ordinary residents.
Security policies and technical recommendations cannot achieve their full potential if the people they are intended to serve cannot understand them.
Translating the information into a familiar language could encourage wider participation, improve understanding and strengthen community ownership of security initiatives.
Security awareness, the article argued, must communicate in a language residents understand if it is to become part of their everyday lives.
IMPLEMENTATION REMAINS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE
Despite the commendation directed at the Soun, the organisers and participating stakeholders, the article stressed that implementation would ultimately determine the summit’s success.
A well-organised gathering, a detailed communiqué and the establishment of a security trust fund are important steps, but none can independently guarantee the safety of a community.
The next phase must focus on practical action.
Community security committees need to be established and made functional. Local governments must participate actively, traditional rulers must sustain their cooperation, and security agencies must strengthen appropriate channels of engagement with residents.
The Security Trust Fund must operate transparently, while the proposed security mapping exercise should lead to identifiable interventions.
Regular assessments should also be conducted to measure progress, establish responsibilities, set measurable targets and provide clear reports on achievements and outstanding challenges.
The organisers and relevant institutions could consider establishing an implementation committee to coordinate activities, monitor progress and periodically inform the public about developments.
Such a structure could help prevent the summit’s recommendations from fading from public attention without meaningful results.
The contributions of Real Admiral Ajani, Dr. Babajide and other stakeholders would become even more significant if their efforts resulted in sustainable security structures and measurable improvements in community safety.
Their work has helped bring stakeholders together around a shared objective. The responsibility now rests with all concerned to maintain that momentum and ensure that the initiative produces lasting benefits.
A ROYAL VISION AND A COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
Ultimately, the Ogbomosoland Security Summit represents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between traditional leadership, public institutions and residents.
It reinforces the understanding that the future of a community cannot depend on one institution alone, regardless of its influence or standing.
The Soun has provided a platform for collective reflection and action, while the organisers have brought stakeholders together and developed recommendations requiring serious consideration.
The participation of traditional rulers demonstrated the potential of collective engagement, while the launch of the Security Trust Fund created an avenue for mobilising additional resources.
The contributions of Real Admiral Ajani, Dr. Babajide and the wider group of stakeholders further illustrated the importance of combining leadership, organisation, professional experience and community commitment in pursuit of a common objective.
The responsibility now rests with everyone involved to sustain the initiative and turn its recommendations into practical results.
Ogbomosoland’s security aspirations must extend beyond ceremonial declarations. Its communities need effective measures to protect lives and property, support economic activities and create an environment where children can learn and businesses can operate without unnecessary fear.
